Fact Check: Did Trump say people should 'only drive downhill' to save gas?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the surge in gas prices due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump asked Americans to drive downhill whenever possible because gravity is free energy, sparking speculation. Let us analyze and fact-check the claim's authenticity.
Claim: Donald Trump asks Americans to drive downhill to save gas
The claim surfaced in the form of a screenshot showing a post by Trump on his official X account. The alleged post read, “Gas prices are a little high right now, maybe because we're WINNING too much, but that's okay, because REAL Americans know how to adapt."
"Patriots don't complain, they conserve. Here are some great, very smart tips: Keep your tires properly inflated. Big one. Huge. Saves a lot of gas, people don't even realize."
"Drive steady, no crazy speeding like the lunatics. Smooth wins. Always. Only drive downhill whenever possible. I've been saying this for years, gravity is FREE energy."
"Nobody uses it like we should. Fill your tank at night so the gasoline is cooler and therefore more powerful. Science! Do your part. Save gas. Don't be a liberal Democrat about it.”
The purported screenshot spread on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, garnering more than five million views.
Fact Check: False, Donald Trump never made such a post
However, the claim is false as Trump never made such a post. A search on his official X handle for the relevant keywords yielded no results.
A search on Trump’s Truth, a website that archives the president's posts on the platform, also found no evidence of the alleged post. Hence, the screenshot is fabricated.
There are also no credible reports from reputable news outlets confirming that Trump shared it, which would have been widely covered if true.
Donald Trump links Iran action to rising gas prices
Trump openly acknowledged that his decision to take on Iran had had economic consequences, telling supporters that rising gas prices were a direct result of his actions.
On Friday, while speaking at The Villages High School gym, the president said he knew the move would “upset the apple cart,” defending it as necessary.
“Oil prices were very low,” he said, recalling a conversation with his financial team.
“I said congratulations. Now I’m going to upset the apple cart for you because we have to take a little journey down to a beautiful country known as Iran…”
He tied that decision directly to current economic conditions, including the spike in fuel costs.
Gas prices have significantly risen in recent days, reaching $4.39 a gallon after jumping 33 cents in a week.
