President Trump's Claim on Iowa's Gas Prices: Fact-Checking the State of the Union Address
'Gas prices are plummeting, with some states seeing a gallon for under $2.' This statement from President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, caught the attention of many, especially those in Iowa. But is it true? Well, it's a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Trump, in his address, compared the current gas prices to those during former President Joe Biden's administration, claiming a significant decrease. He specifically mentioned Iowa, recalling a visit to the state where he witnessed remarkably low prices. But here's where it gets interesting...
The price Trump was referring to was for E85 ethanol, a higher blend of ethanol often sold at a discount. This fuel is only compatible with Flex-Fuel vehicles and is available at select stations in Iowa. On the day of his speech, some stations in Des Moines were indeed selling E85 for as low as $1.99 per gallon, with a January average of $1.88 in the state, according to E85prices.com. And this is the part most people miss—while E85 can offer substantial savings, it's not the standard gasoline most vehicles use.
Regular gasoline prices in Iowa, as of February 25, were $2.59 per gallon on average, according to AAA. This is lower than a year ago but has been rising in recent months. The state's lowest average price this year was $2.31 in January, with some stations in Des Moines offering regular gas for less than $2 per gallon at the start of the year.
So, while Trump's statement about Iowa's gas prices was technically accurate for E85, it doesn't reflect the cost of regular gasoline that most drivers use. It's a subtle distinction but an important one for consumers.
During his Iowa visit, Trump also advocated for year-round E15, a higher ethanol blend that faces seasonal bans in some regions due to clean air regulations. This push for biofuels could significantly impact fuel prices and availability, sparking debates about energy policy and environmental regulations.
In Iowa, the lowest regular gas price is currently $2.09 at a Costco in Ankeny, with other stations offering competitive rates. In Des Moines, the top 10 cheapest regular gas prices range from $2.09 to $2.45 per gallon, as of February 25.
The gas price situation is a dynamic and complex issue, with various factors influencing local prices. While Trump's statement about Iowa's gas prices may have been factually correct in a specific context, it's essential to provide the full picture to avoid misleading consumers. And this raises a question: How can we ensure that political statements, especially those with economic implications, are communicated transparently and accurately? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
