1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the recent public statements made by President Trump concerning the rise in global oil prices. In a social media post on March 12, the President claimed that rising oil prices are a benefit because 'we make a lot of money.' This statement is a lie. The "we" in that sentence clearly does not include the American people. As the national average for gas hits $3.60, the money the President is celebrating is being extracted directly from the pockets of my family and my neighbors. While oil corporations and their wealthiest shareholders see windfall profits, the rest of the country is hit with a massive, regressive tax on every commute and every grocery trip. To suggest that a financial blow to the American consumer is a win for this country is either intentionally deceptive or demonstrates that the President is fantastically out of touch with the reality of the people he serves. Neither of these is acceptable. As my representative, I ask that you publicly address this disconnect. We need policy solutions that protect consumers from price shocks caused by global instability, not a celebration of the profits being extracted from our pockets at the pump. I look forward to hearing how you plan to address the rising cost of living and the misleading narrative that high energy prices are somehow good for the American public.