During a CNN TownHall in New Hampshire on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump said he would ramp up oil production to combat the cost-of-living crisis in America if he is elected president once again in 2024. Trump’s solution would also make the U.S. less dependent on foreign nations, which the Biden administration often turns to for oil, undermining U.S. national security.
“Over the past two years, we have seen the prices for everything skyrocket. From food to gas to utilities and insurance costs, many people’s bills are up several hundred dollars a month, including mine. If elected president again, what is the first think you would do to bring down the cost to make things more affordable?” one voter asked.
“Drill baby drill,” Trump responded.
When asked about the U.S. debt ceiling, Trump predicted Democrats would cave to Republican lawmakers’ calls for “massive cuts.”
“I say to the Republicans out there — congressmen, senators — if they don’t give you massive cuts, you’re going to have to do a default, and I don’t believe they’re going to do a default because I think the Democrats will absolutely cave, will absolutely cave because you don’t want to have that happen, but it’s better than what we’re doing right now because we’re spending money like drunken sailors,” Trump said. “You might as well do it now because you’ll do it later because we have to save this country.”
“Our country is dying,” Trump added. “Our country is being destroyed by stupid people.”
Trump is widely considered the top contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His most anticipated party rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is expected to announce his campaign in the coming weeks.
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Other Republicans who have thrown their hat in the ring include former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
