President Trump puts ‘I did it’ sticker on gas pump, could be a call back to Biden
When gas prices hit record highs under the Biden administration, stickers with his photo and the words “I did it” were placed on gas pumps. Now they have Trump’s face.
YORKTOWN, N.Y. – On a day when historic increases in gas prices and rising inflation were reported, President Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary downplayed rising costs while promoting tax policy in suburban New York.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited a diner on Friday, April 10, with embattled Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) in a battleground area of the Hudson Valley about 40 miles north of New York City.
Mr. Bessent’s tour of northern Westchester County, aimed at promoting the Trump administration’s economic policies in the district, which is key to Republicans maintaining control of Congress, came on the same day as the worst inflation report of Mr. Trump’s second term. It also comes as the monthly gasoline price increase is at an all-time high of 21.2%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Rather than discussing the economic impact of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, Bessent discussed the administration’s policies with residents and small business owners, highlighting things like tax breaks, investment accounts for young children, and a tip exemption for certain workers under the federal tax and spending bill. Before the dinner roundtable with residents, Bessent toured biotech company Regeneron and addressed rising costs on CBS News New York.
“This is a temporary crash due to a temporary increase in gasoline prices,” he said. “If you look at the futures market, we’re going to be on the other side of this.”
Bessent did not speak to reporters at the event.
At Hill Boulevard Diner in Yorktown, Mr. Bessent and Mr. Lawler celebrated the state and local tax (SALT) deduction for high-tax New York residents, which has become a sticking point for Mr. Lawler and other vulnerable House Republicans in Democratic states. Twenty salt shakers were placed around a U-shaped round table, and reporters watched the gathering.
Gasoline prices soared a record 21.2% in March, beginning to collect the largest monthly increase since 1967, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data released on April 10th. Gasoline prices for the year have increased by 18.9%.
Meanwhile, consumer prices rose 3.3% in March from a year earlier, the largest increase in two years, but still far below the 2022 inflation rate under the administration of former Democratic President Joe Biden.
In the latest report, gas prices accounted for nearly three-quarters of the total monthly increase. Consumer confidence has also declined as wages have not kept pace with costs.
Lawler, a former state representative, was elected four years ago when Republicans regained the House majority. Like many Republican candidates, Lawler won in part because he campaigned against record inflation under the Biden administration. Lawler narrowly defeated then-ranking Representative Sean Patrick Maloney, who headed the powerful Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Lawler faces a tough re-election bid in 2026 as Democrats focus on suburban districts.
“Obviously there’s some volatility in the oil market because of the situation in the Middle East, and that’s driving up costs,” he told reporters, adding that before the conflict, gas prices were below $3 a gallon for the first time in years.
“The instability that we are currently experiencing due to the situation in the Middle East will end,” he said.
He added that the United States is not dependent on Iranian oil, nor is it dependent on Middle Eastern oil, but there is domestic production. But Lawler, who has supported President Trump’s military operations, said he expected prices to fall quickly once the Strait of Hormuz reopens. The Strait of Hormuz is currently a victim of Iran as the Trump administration attempts to negotiate a solution amid a two-week ceasefire.
In recent months, Mr. Lawler has received several important visits from senior Cabinet officials. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz and Small Business Administration Commissioner Kelly Loeffler all visited Lorah in the District, USA TODAY Network’s Journal News/lohud.com reported.
Mr. Bessent did not mention the rising costs, but local representatives have raised the issue with federal officials.
“Our people are suffering,” said Brendel Logan, assistant superintendent of Ramapo, in Rockland County, which is also part of the Rollers district. Logan, a Democrat, supported Lawler in a bipartisan manner. Still, she called on her colleagues locally and in Washington, D.C., to address costs for businesses and seniors.
State Rep. Matt Slater (R) said the region is facing a “price crisis.” He supported federal Republican policies to reduce the tax burden on states that are already taxed.
“These are the policies we need… to put money back into people’s pockets, instead of increasing government, taxes and spending, where people continue to feel overwhelmed by an overbearing government.”
Clare Kerrigan, a Yorktown bartender, told Mr. Lawler and Mr. Bessent that she was grateful that tips were not taxed. This policy allows her to go out and spend more and not feel the need to save extra money for property taxes and other expenses.
But she said she’s prepared for that because costs are rising.
“Fasten your seatbelts,” Kerrigan said. “I spend less money. If I see something on sale, I buy three items instead of one.”
Contributor: Rachel Barber, USA TODAY
Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Contact us via email (emcuevas1@usatoday.com) or Signal (emcuevas.01).
