Trump's rally remark on high gas prices draws Axelrod criticism, Democratic ad suggestions

Democratic strategist David Axelrod criticized President Donald Trump on Saturday after Trump told supporters at an evening rally that he did not care about high fuel prices, saying oil was earning a fortune. Axelrod responded that Trump is making money as never before and does not care about high prices, and he called the remark a losing political message. The comments were also described as a gift to Democrats, with one suggestion that the clip simply be run as an advertisement. The available reports do not say where the rally took place, give a White House response, or lay out current fuel prices.

Right-leaning outlets tracked by Crosswire had not reported this story at the time of writing, while left-leaning and alternative/independent outlets had. On the left, Raw Story's headline frames the remark as a political opening for Democrats, relaying a suggestion that it be used as an ad. The excerpt available contains only a biography of the writer, so its sourcing beyond the headline cannot be described. The Hill, classed as alternative/independent, leads with Axelrod and his judgment that the remark is no winning message. It also puts Trump's comments about oil profits next to Axelrod's claim about Trump's personal earnings. Both pieces focus on Democratic reaction, and neither excerpt includes a response from Trump or his team. The difference is emphasis: Raw Story stresses the electoral benefit to Democrats, while The Hill stresses one named strategist's critique.