Trump demands gas stations cut prices to $2.50 a gallon 'immediately'
President Donald Trump demanded gas stations slash prices 'immediately' on Monday and urged retailers to start targeting gasoline at around $2.50 a gallon, warning there would be 'big problems' if they failed to act.
In a fiery Truth Social post, the president insisted fuel prices no longer reflected falling crude oil costs and accused retailers of overcharging motorists despite oil dropping to around $68 a barrel.
'Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY!' Trump wrote.
'They're too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south. The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!'
Trump then warned retailers not to profit from falling oil prices at the expense of consumers.
'There will be no gauging [sic], which is totally illegal. If Retailers don't do this, big problems lie ahead!' he wrote.
The president made a direct plea for retailers to 'Start targeting around the $2.50 a Gallon number,' before turning his attention to California's fuel taxes.
'And California should stop charging such heavy Taxes on their Gasoline. Soon the Tax will be higher than the Product itself, and the United States will not stand for it, nor will the People of California, who are being abused by these ridiculous Taxes, and by their own Government,' Trump wrote.
President Donald Trump has demanded gas stations cut prices to $2.50 a gallon 'immediately'
Trump made the demand for retailers to lower prices 'immediately' in a fiery Monday night post
Gas prices have been well above $5.00/gallon in many parts of the country including California
The swipe marked Trump's latest attack on fuel prices as he increases pressure on the energy industry to pass on lower crude oil costs to drivers filling up at the pump.
Just last week, Trump revealed he had instructed the Department of Justice to investigate whether major oil companies were keeping gasoline prices artificially high despite a decline in crude prices.
At the time, the president accused the industry of 'gouging' motorists by failing to reduce prices quickly enough after oil markets eased.
Oil prices surged earlier this year after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and Gulf states hosting American military bases.
The heightened tensions rattled global energy markets and sent crude prices sharply higher, fueling concerns that Americans would once again face soaring costs at the pump.
Gas prices appear to be coming down at these gas stations in Austin, Texas last week
This aerial photograph shows boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday
Since then, diplomacy between Washington and Tehran and the extension of a ceasefire have helped ease fears of a broader regional conflict, allowing oil prices to retreat and providing some relief for motorists.
Trump argued those lower crude prices should now be reflected almost immediately at gas stations across the country.
US gasoline prices have fallen to an average of about $3.92 per gallon nationwide, according to AAA.
The renewed push on gasoline prices comes as consumers continue to voice frustration over the cost of filling their tanks, with Republicans seeking to defend their narrow congressional majorities in November's midterm elections.
While crude oil has fallen back from its recent highs, Trump has made clear he believes retailers have been too slow to pass those savings on to customers.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
