Fact Check: Did Trump say 'Republicans don’t use diesel' amid record-high fuel prices?
WASHINGTON, DC: A claim about President Donald Trump saying “Republicans don’t use diesel” has gone viral online as diesel prices hit record highs in the United States. The alleged remark has drawn attention as Americans face rising fuel costs and growing concern over inflation.
The claim comes as Trump spoke about high energy prices and blamed factors including the war in Iran and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure for putting pressure on fuel supplies.
Claim: Trump said, 'Republicans don't use diesel'
An X post quotes Donald Trump as saying, “Republicans don’t use diesel,” on September 13, 2026, as diesel prices rose above $6 per gallon.
The price increase comes amid global supply disruptions linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict involving Iran.
Trump has recently spoken about rising diesel prices and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure.
He argued that the attacks are worsening fuel shortages and pushing up costs for trucking, farming and consumer goods. Trump has also indicated that relief in oil and gas prices may not come until after the midterm elections.
The alleged comment quickly drew attention online, with users questioning whether Trump actually made the statement. Some commenters also pointed to the use of diesel-powered trucks and farm equipment among Republican voters.
One user wrote, “I have a few loved ones and they have about 10 friends who voted for Trump that all drive diesel trucks. They all still support him.” Another wrote, “He NEVER stop lying and trying to fool the people.” A third user asked, “Do you have a source for this quote?”
Fact Check: False, no evidence supports the claim
The claim is false. There is no evidence that President Donald Trump said, “Republicans don’t use diesel.”
Searches of news reports, public transcripts, Truth Social posts, and social media found no record of Trump making the statement or a similar comment.
The phrase appears to have originated from or gained attention through a September 13, 2026, X post by Spencer Hakimian and a few similar social media posts. No reputable news outlet has reported that Trump made the remark.
Data also shows that Republican and Republican-leaning voters are more likely to drive pickup trucks, while diesel engines are common in many pickup trucks. Rural and farming communities, which generally lean Republican, also rely heavily on diesel for trucks, farm equipment, and freight.
Separate material from 2018 shows Trump discussing diesel and gasoline use in the trucking industry. However, that recording does not contain the viral “Republicans don’t use diesel” statement. Earlier satirical claims that Trump told truck drivers to switch from diesel to gasoline have also been debunked.
