Fact Check: Did Trump once tweet that Obama should be fired over rising gas prices?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid rising prices caused by geopolitical tensions with Iran, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump once called for the removal of former President Barack Obama over rising gas prices, sparking criticism against Trump.
Let us analyze the viral claim and fact-check its authenticity.
Claim: Trump once slammed Obama for rising gas prices
Amid ongoing negotiations with Iran following the war and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that caused the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a rise in gas prices, a screenshot began circulating on social media platforms claiming to show a tweet by Trump dated October 12.
The alleged tweet states, “Gas prices are at crazy levels–fire Obama!”
The alleged tweet sparked criticism against the president, with many calling for him to be fired and accusing him of hypocrisy, while others claimed that the screenshot was fake.
The screenshot spread across various social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Threads, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
Fact Check: True, the tweet is indeed authentic
The tweet is indeed authentic, as Trump did make the post. A search of his official X account revealed his tweet about rising gas prices, posted in 2012 when Obama was president.
Trump made more than one tweet that year criticizing the former president over rising gas prices.
The tweet resurfaced amid ongoing tensions following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which led to rising gas prices and inflation worldwide.
Trump downplays rising gas prices amid Iran tensions
The tweet resurfaced as Trump, on Tuesday, May 19, downplayed concerns over rising gasoline prices, describing the increase as “very temporary.” Trump said Americans would eventually understand the need for economic sacrifices linked to rising tensions with Iran.
“Everything’s going good,” he said. “I’m sorry, but we have to take a little journey. We have to do something with Iran.”
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump defended his administration’s policy toward Tehran, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was more important than short-term increases in fuel prices and household costs.
“And this is peanuts, and I appreciate everybody putting up with it for a little while,” he added. His remarks suggested that the economic impact of the standoff with Iran was small compared to what he described as broader national security concerns.
