PolitiFact is reporting that President Donald Trump's claim on May 7 that gasoline prices had "come down very substantially today" is inaccurate. It said the national average price for a gallon of gasoline rose daily for four days leading up to Trump's remark, according to data from the American Automobile Association. On May 8, the day after his statement, prices dropped by approximately one cent per gallon, which PolitiFact noted does not qualify as a substantial decrease.
PolitiFact explained that while crude oil prices saw a decline in the days before Trump's comment, gasoline prices typically do not follow immediately due to short-term volatility. The current high gasoline prices are attributed to the war Trump launched with Israel against Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil supplies. The May 8 average price of about $4.55 per gallon represents the ninth-highest weekly price in U.S. history since 1990, with only eight weeks in 2022 seeing higher prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While the share of income Americans spend on gasoline is high, it is not at its historical peak, accounting for about 3.6% of disposable household income, similar to 2022 levels but lower than nine of 10 years between 2005 and 2014. PolitiFact rated Trump's statement False.
Separately, PolitiFact also examined the realities of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. It said that while these drugs can facilitate weight loss, doctors emphasize that diet and exercise remain essential to prevent malnutrition, minimize side effects, and maintain bone and muscle strength.