House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s Gas-Price Claim Fact-Checked

During an April 30, 2026 appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) claimed gasoline prices are lower now than two years ago, stating, “People will remember, two years ago, we were paying almost $6 per gallon of gasoline, right now it’s in the $3 range.” He linked oil-price shock to Donald Trump’s war with Iran and predicted declines after the conflict ends.

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The price spike followed U.S.–led airstrikes against Iran earlier in 2026, which Scalise called an “illegal war of choice.” Republicans framed the conflict as a driver of higher energy costs, while President Trump’s campaign promises include inflation reduction and lower grocery prices.

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AAA reports the U.S. average gasoline price was $3.53 per gallon in late October 2023 and $4.30 per gallon at the time of Scalise’s remarks, a $0.77 rise. The Bureau of Economic Analysis said the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose to 3.2 % in March 2024, the highest since November 2023.

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Scalise said the Republican agenda is delivering lower inflation and that interest rates are beginning to fall, asking if voters want a return to double-digit rates. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified Iran’s nuclear weapons program was “obliterated” by U.S. airstrikes and that no rebuilding effort has occurred. The BEA’s March PCE release confirmed a rise in core inflation.

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CNBC host Joe Kernen challenged Scalise’s $6-per-gallon claim, asking, “When were we paying $6?” and noting it was not an average price. Independent fact-checkers highlighted the gap between Scalise’s statements and AAA’s data. Critics also cited the upward PCE trend as evidence inflation has not yet eased.

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• Scalise’s $3-range claim vs. AAA’s $4.30 average.

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• His $6 per gallon claim vs. AAA’s $3.53 average in Oct 2023.

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• Inflation-lowering claim vs. BEA’s 3.2 % core PCE rise.

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Accurate economic messaging influences public confidence in Republican leadership ahead of the November midterms. Misrepresentations of gas prices and inflation could shape voter perceptions of the party’s capacity to manage the economy and national security.

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As the midterms approach, congressional statements on energy costs and inflation will face heightened scrutiny. Further releases from the Bureau of Economic Analysis are expected to inform the ongoing debate.

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• “People will remember, two years ago, we were paying almost $6 per gallon of gasoline, right now it's in the [$3 range],” — Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader

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• “Right now it's in the $3s KERNEN: When were we paying $6?” — Joe Kernen, CNBC host

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• “has been no effort since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability.” — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence

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• “So if you look across the board, we are lowering inflation, interest rates are starting to come down,” — Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader

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