Most US states did not average less than $2.30 gasoline.
A specific, time-bounded claim about state-average pump prices failed against contemporaneous AAA data.
Confidence in FICTION verdict
In February 2026 most US states had an average regular gasoline price below $2.30 a gallon.
In February 2026 the president asserted that gasoline cost under $2.30 a gallon in most states.
FactCheck.org checked the AAA state data and found not even one statewide average below that threshold on the speech date; Oklahoma was closest at about $2.37.
Prices can move substantially over time. The Fiction verdict applies to the time and scope of the original claim rather than to today's price at any particular pump.
What this could mean.
- Why this verdict matters
- State averages are publicly observable and should not be confused with occasional low-price stations.
- Potential consequences
Consumers may form unrealistic expectations about monthly fuel spending.
Claims about price reductions can be evaluated with consistent geographic data.
Presidential accountability improves when comparators are explicit.
The assessment.
- Claim being checked
- In February 2026 most US states had an average regular gasoline price below $2.30 a gallon.
- Evidence period
- Public evidence available through October 14, 2026
- Why we assign this confidence score
- FactCheck.org reported that no state had an AAA average regular-gas price below $2.30 as of the president's February 24 speech.
- What could change the verdict
- A few individual stations may have had lower prices; the claim was about state averages.
The evidence.
- FactChecking Trump's State of the Union Address ↗FactCheck.org · February 25, 2026