A new congressional report released on March 17 reveals that the average American household’s electricity costs rose by $110 in 2025, a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year. This development directly contradicts President Donald Trump’s campaign promise that his policies would cut energy bills in half within 12 months of returning to the White House.

Trump’s Energy Pledge Fails to Materialize

During his 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed that if voters returned him to the White House, his policies would dramatically reduce energy costs. At the Economic Club of New York in September 2024, he said, ‘My plan will cut energy prices in half or more than that within 12 months of taking office. It will be an economic revival of our country like no one has ever seen before.’

However, the report from the minority staff of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee shows that electricity costs have continued to rise, despite Trump’s promises. The report highlights that the average household’s total annual electric bill has increased by $110 between 2024 and 2025. In Virginia, families saw their electricity bills increase by 9.5 percent, paying $170 more in 2025.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, average national gasoline prices have not dropped below $2.00 in any week since Trump returned to the White House. The lowest price recorded was $2.779 in January, far above the $2.00 target Trump had promised. Additionally, the American Automobile Association reported that the average cost of a gallon of regular gas in Virginia rose from $2.823 a month ago to $3.634 following Trump’s military strikes on Iran.

Impact on American Families

The rising energy costs have had a significant impact on American families. The report states that the average household’s electric bill has increased, and this has been felt across the country. In Virginia, the 9.5 percent increase in electricity bills has placed additional financial strain on households already struggling with rising costs.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, the ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, said in a statement, ‘American families don’t need a report to tell them that the President has broken his campaign promise to slash energy costs; they already feel the impact of President Trump’s actions every single day.’

The report highlights that the increase in energy costs has been a growing concern for American families. The rise in electricity bills has been accompanied by higher gasoline prices, which have further strained household budgets. The combination of these factors has led to a noticeable increase in the cost of living for many Americans.

What Analysts Say

Experts have noted that the failure to meet Trump’s energy cost-cutting promises has raised concerns about the administration’s economic policies. According to the report, the rise in energy costs has been attributed to various factors, including the impact of recent military actions and the overall economic climate.

Analysts have pointed out that while the administration has made efforts to address energy prices, the results have not aligned with the promises made during the campaign. The report suggests that the administration’s policies have not effectively reduced energy costs, and in some cases, have contributed to their increase.

According to the report, the administration has not provided specific details on how it plans to achieve the promised reductions in energy costs. This lack of clarity has led to skepticism about the feasibility of the campaign promises and the effectiveness of the policies being implemented.

Despite the administration’s claims of an economic revival, the data shows that energy costs have continued to rise. The report suggests that the administration’s policies have not had the desired impact on reducing energy costs, and the situation may worsen if current trends continue.

The report also notes that the administration’s focus on military actions, such as the strikes on Iran, has had a ripple effect on energy prices. The increased demand for energy due to these actions has contributed to higher prices, further complicating the administration’s efforts to lower energy costs.

Looking Ahead

The administration faces an uphill battle in addressing the rising energy costs. With the average household’s electricity bill increasing, the administration will need to provide a clear and effective strategy to reduce these costs. The report suggests that the administration’s current policies have not been sufficient in achieving this goal.

As the situation continues to evolve, the administration will need to reassess its approach to energy policy. The report highlights the importance of addressing energy costs in a thorough manner, considering the various factors that contribute to rising prices.

With the upcoming elections, the administration’s ability to deliver on its campaign promises will be closely scrutinized. The failure to meet the energy cost-cutting goals may have significant implications for the administration’s popularity and the overall economic climate.

The report highlights the need for a more strong and effective approach to energy policy. The administration will need to provide a clear plan that addresses the underlying causes of rising energy costs and offers practical solutions to reduce them.

As the administration moves forward, the focus will be on implementing policies that can effectively address the rising energy costs and deliver on the promises made during the campaign. The outcome of these efforts will have a direct impact on the economic well-being of American families.