In a major televised address to the nation tonight, President Donald Trump outlined his administration’s aggressive new strategy to combat inflation, specifically targeting what he described as the “crushing” energy costs inherited from the previous administration. During the speech, the president officially declared a National Energy Emergency, signalling a massive shift in federal priority toward domestic power production and fuel affordability.
The Fight Over Energy Figures: Surges, Gas Prices, and New Infrastructure
Central to the President’s address was a scathing critique of energy trends under the Biden administration. Trump claimed that electricity costs surged between 30% and 100% over the last four years, estimating that the typical American family lost between $5,000 and $10,000 due to these spikes.
While independent data confirms a significant rise—with the Century Foundation noting average monthly bills jumped from $196 to $265 between 2022 and 2025—research from Energy at a Glance suggests the cumulative cost to households since 2021 sits closer to $2,300.
To rectify this, Trump announced a “spectacular” plan to open 1,600 new electrical generating points within the next 12 months. “This is a record that will not be broken by anyone, at least not soon,” the President stated, emphasizing a rapid return to energy independence.
Mixed Data on the Cost of Living: From Gas Pumps to Grocery Aisles
The President also touted a sharp decline in fuel and food prices, though some of the figures cited have sparked debate among economic trackers:
- Fuel Costs: Trump noted that gasoline is now under $2.50 a gallon in much of the country, with some states hitting $1.99. However, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) as of mid-December placed the national average at $2.90, with AAA reporting that no state average has yet dipped below the $1.99 threshold.
- Groceries: The President highlighted a 33% drop in Thanksgiving turkey prices and an 82% drop in egg prices since March. While food inflation is cooling, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data suggests more modest declines: turkey prices are down roughly 22% from their 2022 highs, and egg prices have dropped approximately 43% since their March peak.
- Drug Prices: Trump reiterated his success in slashing drug costs by “400 to 600 percent,” a rhetorical point that continues to face scrutiny from mathematicians who note that a 100% cut would render the drugs free.
The “Warrior Dividend” and Future Stimulus
Beyond energy, the address touched upon the newly announced “Warrior Dividend.” This stimulus check program is aimed at providing immediate financial relief to specific demographics, though full eligibility details and the exact timing of the rollout are still being finalized by the administration.
As the second term kicks into high gear, the President’s focus remains clear: a high-speed overhaul of the American energy grid and a direct offensive against the cost-of-living crisis that defined the previous election cycle.