Unraveling the Truth: Gas Prices and Trump's Iowa Claims
In a recent State of the Union address, President Donald Trump made a bold statement about gas prices in Iowa, leaving many viewers curious and confused. But here's where it gets interesting: the truth behind these claims is more complex than it seems.
On February 24th, 2026, Trump delivered his first State of the Union address during his second administration. Early on, he highlighted the lower gasoline prices in the US compared to the Biden era, painting a picture of affordability. He reminisced about a trip to Iowa, specifically the Horizon Events Center in Clive, as an example of these low prices.
So, what exactly did Trump say about Iowa's gas prices?
"Gasoline prices have plummeted since my predecessor's time in office. In some states, it reached a peak of over $6 a gallon, which was a complete disaster. Now, most states enjoy prices below $2.30 a gallon, with some places even offering $1.99 a gallon. And when I visited Iowa recently, I saw gasoline for as low as $1.85 a gallon!"
But here's the catch: the average gas price in Iowa, according to AAA, is $2.59 per gallon as of February 25th. Premium and diesel gasoline prices are even higher, at $3.46 and $3.53, respectively. So, how does Trump's claim hold up?
The $1.85 price Trump referenced was for E85 ethanol, a higher blend of ethanol often sold at a discounted rate. This blend can only be used in Flex-Fuel vehicles and is available at around 400 gas stations across Iowa. On February 25th, GasBuddy reported E85 prices as low as $1.99 in Des Moines, with one station in Davenport offering it for $1.49.
During his Iowa visit, Trump also expressed support for biofuels, particularly E15. While E10, with 10% ethanol, is sold year-round, the higher E15 blend faces seasonal bans in certain regions due to clean air regulations that the ethanol industry considers outdated.
So, where can you find the lowest gas prices in Iowa? The Costco in Ankeny offers regular fuel for $2.09, while two stations in Oskaloosa sell gas for $2.13. In Des Moines, gas prices have been as low as $1.95 this year, with the top 10 cheapest gas stations offering prices ranging from $2.09 to $2.45.
And this is the part most people miss: while gas prices have indeed dropped, they've also experienced a recent increase. According to GasBuddy, the state's lowest average price this year was $2.31 on January 5th, but many stations offered gas below $2 a gallon near the start of the year.
So, is Trump's claim entirely accurate? It depends on the context and the type of fuel being discussed. While E85 prices may have reached $1.85 in Iowa, the average gas price tells a different story.
What's your take on this? Do you think Trump's statement was misleading, or is it a fair representation of the situation? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
