Article Summary –
President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises to halve energy bills have not materialized, as a congressional report indicates an average 6.4% increase in American household electricity costs during his second term. Trump’s policies, including halting clean energy projects and tariffs on imported goods, have contributed to rising energy costs, contradicting his claims of reducing prices through traditional energy sources like gasoline. Critics, including Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, argue that American families continue to suffer from rising energy expenses, while gasoline prices have not dropped below $2 since Trump’s return to the White House.
During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump frequently promised voters that his return to the White House would drastically cut energy bills. Yet, a new congressional report reveals that American families now pay more for electricity post-Trump’s second term.
Released on March 17, a report from Congress’ Joint Economic Committee shows average household electric bills increased by $110 from 2024 to 2025, a 6.4% rise.
In September 2024, Trump claimed at the Economic Club of New York: “My plan will halve energy prices in 12 months. Energy initially caused our problem. It’s going to revive us, dropping gasoline below $2 a gallon and reducing electricity, groceries, airfares, and housing costs.”
Under President Joe Biden, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, investing in clean energy. The Inflation Reduction Act provided billions in tax credits for energy efficiency.
Since taking office, Trump has reversed these policies, stopping solar and wind projects, canceling $8 billion in clean energy initiatives, and repealing parts of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Trump’s tariffs on imports, grid damage from climate change, and increased demand from data centers have raised electricity costs.
“American families know the President broke his promise to slash energy costs; they feel it daily. This report shows costs continue to rise, hurting families,” said the Joint Economic Committee’s ranking member, Sen. Maggie Hassan, in a statement.
The White House did not respond to a comment request.
In Wisconsin, electricity bills rose 9%, costing households $120 more in 2025.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that gasoline prices have not fallen below $2 since Trump returned, the lowest being $2.779 in January.
AAA data shows Wisconsin’s average gas price increased from $2.559 to $3.39 after Trump’s military actions in Iran.
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