‘Would be dead’: Trump argues oil industry couldn’t thrive without his administration

Trump blasted Mike Wirth for not crediting his administration and renewed pressure on oil companies to cut gasoline prices
US crude oil dropped by roughly 5 per cent to fall below $80 a barrel after Trump suspended strikes on Iran. (Getty Images)
US crude oil dropped by roughly 5 per cent to fall below $80 a barrel after Trump suspended strikes on Iran. (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Monday, August 3, took credit for Chevron’s success and its return to Venezuela, claiming that the US oil industry and the country itself would be “dead” without his administration.

Oil prices, not only in America but across the world, have been feeling the heat of the closed Strait of Hormuz, which ships around 20 percent of global oil. However, US crude oil dropped by roughly 5 per cent to fall below $80 a barrel after Trump suspended strikes on Iran.



Trump claims ease in oil market is because of his policies

In a Truth Social post, Trump ripped Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron, for failing to acknowledge the contribution of the Trump administration in its revival and renewed the pressure on oil companies to lower gasoline prices for American consumers.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.  (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

"Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron, just gave... all of the reasons that his company is doing so well. The only thing he conveniently forgot to mention is that, without the genius, foresight, strength, and stability of the Trump Administration, the Oil Industry, and our Country itself, would be dead," Trump wrote.

Trump highlighted Chevron’s revival journey as an example of the Trump administration’s achievement.

He further highlighted that Chevron was kicked out of Venezuela and that now that it is back in operation in the region, it is because of Trump’s administration's policies to revive the oil market.

Besides, Trump also demanded that companies should reduce the oil prices for its consumers immediately.

"As an example, they threw Mike and Chevron out of Venezuela, but now they're back, far bigger and stronger than ever before, expecting to make a fortune! That goes for other Oil Companies as well... and get your consumer (retail!) Oil Prices down, now," Trump added.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 16: A person pumps gas at a Shell gas station on June 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Gas prices in the U.S. have fallen as wholesale gasoline and crude oil prices declined following the announcement of a preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil exports. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
A person pumps gas at a Shell gas station on June 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Oil price remains major political issue in America

Trump’s call to reduce the price came as the gasoline price remains a major political issue in Ameirca which opposition accusing Trump of not being able to handle the Iran war and its repercussions amid the rising cost of living fueled by increased oil prices.

Republicans face the prospect of losing their majority in the House of Representatives and potentially control of the Senate, making fuel prices a key economic issue for voters.

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

Global crude oil prices fell sharply after Trump postponed a planned military strike on Iran over the weekend to pursue a diplomatic path.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Trump previously defended the use of taxpayer funds for the ads, arguing they were intended to promote the country rather than any political candidate
4 minutes ago
Days after the incident, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were 'strong indications' Iran played a part, though he offered no details
5 hours ago
The posts praised high-profile Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro, and advocated for specific political policies, such as raising the minimum wage
6 hours ago
The NAACP filed the case after seeking records on the personnel's legal authority, locations, qualifications and training
6 hours ago
Vice President Vance cites past government ads as White House defends Trump public service announcements
7 hours ago
Trump said his Ohio rally was deliberately undercounted as he challenged coverage while campaigning for Republicans ahead of the November midterms
7 hours ago
Politico had been slated to be the print pool representative for Monday. Since only a small group of reporters travel with the president, Politico was responsible for emailing a dispatch to other news outlets from the plane
7 hours ago
GOP House Majority Whip Tom Emmer made the comments while traveling between campaign stops for the 2026 midterms
8 hours ago
Pausing the lower court’s directive requiring the Trump administration to immediately reinstate Roger Rogoff as the top federal prosecutor in Seattle, an appeals court on Sunday, Oct. 4, granted the administration’s request to stay the decision
9 hours ago
The president says refinery shutdowns in Democratic-led states are driving up fuel costs as crude shipments through the Strait recover
9 hours ago