Trump says funding Corpus Christi port created ‘tens of thousands of jobs’, billions in revenue
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS: President Donald Trump on Friday, February 27, touted his decision to fund a port in Corpus Christi, saying the investment spurred significant job growth and generated billions of dollars in revenue.
He also pointed to falling gas prices, increased oil and natural gas production, and rising liquefied natural gas exports as evidence of the policy’s success. Trump’s address to dock workers comes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, where the cost of living and the state of the economy remain major issues for voters.
Trump on port of Corpus Christi funding and jobs
In his remarks, Trump said that during his first term he approved vital federal funding to deepen the channel and fully modernize the Port of Corpus Christi.
He described the investment as crucial, saying, "Since that crucial investment, companies have flocked here, creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions and billions of dollars in revenue for your community."
Trump contrasted his actions with those of former president Joe Biden, stating that Biden “came in and tried to cut off the port funding, immediately tried to cut it off.” He continued, "What we did, we had a tremendously successful first term, and he came in and tried to take away what we had."
Trump said, “But today, we stopped them.” He told dock workers, energy workers, and the people of Texas that they once again have “a president that loves our country, a president that fights for our country, and a president who’s got your back.”
He then emphasized that nationwide exports of liquefied natural gas are up 37%, calling it the highest level in American history over the past year and saying it is continuing to rise. He also said crude oil exports are up by hundreds of thousands of barrels a day, presenting those figures as evidence of the success of his policies.
Trump on energy exports and partnership with Venezuela
During the address, Trump pointed to a tanker behind him and said it was from Venezuela, adding that the relationship between the United States and Venezuela is now “a very good one.”
He repeated that the countries are having a very good relationship and described Venezuela "as a new friend and partner." Trump cited figures related to crude oil, stating, “So far — we just started — 80 million barrels of crude oil — think — 80 million barrels of oil.”
He urged the audience to consider what that volume represents, comparing 80 million barrels to a stadium with 80,000 people and then multiplying that figure to 80 million. He said the arrangement is great for Venezuela and great for the United States, noting that much of the oil comes directly to the Port of Corpus Christi.
He further stated that 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude were sitting in the tanker to his left at the time of his remarks, calling it “a nice one.” Trump asked the crowd whether they had ever witnessed anything, "so beautiful, so decisive, and so popular with the people of Venezuela?
He then claimed, "It was very popular so beautiful." The visit was designed to underscore his messaging on affordability issues. Trump also noted that there would be more generous tax refunds this year for senior citizens, car buyers, and people who earn overtime and tips due to legislation he signed last year.
