WASHINGTON, D.C. January 14, 2026 – Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), held a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, accusing President Donald Trump of breaking campaign promises to lower energy costs for Americans. Speakers claimed that one year into Trump’s second term, energy prices have risen due to administration policies favoring fossil fuels over clean energy investments.
Standing at a podium bearing a large red sign reading “TRUMP LIED ENERGY COSTS ARE UP,” Rep. Stansbury delivered a fiery critique, flanked by fellow Democrats holding identical signs. The event highlighted what they described as a “full-on assault” on climate protections and clean energy progress.
“One year into Trump’s second term and it’s a full-on assault on climate and clean energy,” Stansbury said in a video of the event posted to her X account. “From gutting clean energy and public lands protections to withdrawing from international agreements and stealing foreign oil—this administration is threatening our planet, our economy, and our national security—and the pocketbooks of real Americans.”
Stansbury pointed to specific policy actions, including the repeal of clean car and power plant emissions standards, the cancellation of renewable energy projects that she claimed could have powered millions of homes, and increased drilling on public lands. She argued these moves have driven up household energy bills, with electricity prices reportedly rising 15-20% in some regions and natural gas costs contributing to higher heating expenses.
“These actions are not abstract,” she stated. “Here in the United States, electricity prices are expected to rise… natural gas prices… drive up power bills by 15-20% across the United States.”
The congresswoman also criticized the administration for making the U.S. “the only nation to step back from its long-standing international climate commitments” and for policies she described as aggressive rollbacks on environmental protections.
Democrats at the event emphasized their efforts to preserve clean energy incentives and modernize the electric grid, framing the issue as critical for economic resilience, public health, and climate action.
The press conference comes amid ongoing partisan debates over energy policy in Trump’s second term, with Republicans generally supporting expanded domestic fossil fuel production to achieve energy independence and lower costs.
The White House has not immediately responded to the Democrats’ accusations. Trump’s campaign in 2024 heavily emphasized reducing energy prices through increased oil and gas production, often criticizing previous administrations for high costs driven by green energy transitions.
The event gained traction on social media, with Stansbury’s post garnering hundreds of views and shares shortly after publication.
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