WASHINGTON (April 13, 2026) — President Donald Trump on Monday spotlighted a dramatic surge in crude oil tanker traffic heading to the U.S. Gulf Coast, framing it as a clear win for American energy dominance amid escalating international turmoil.
U.S. Gulf Coast crude exports are on track to hit a record 4.9 million barrels per day in April — a 23% jump from March levels — as global buyers scramble for reliable American supplies following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which began in late February.
In a Fox News interview, Trump enthusiastically pointed to the rush of empty tankers steaming toward the Permian Basin to load up on U.S. crude. “Look at those ships — they’re coming in waves!” he said, before joking about his past call to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” The remark drew laughs from the hosts as Trump leaned into his long-standing “America First” energy message.
Domestic oil producers are reaping the benefits of soaring demand and robust refining margins. However, the export surge is coinciding with higher prices at the pump for American drivers. The national average gasoline price has climbed to approximately $4.15 per gallon, drawing sharp criticism from opponents who argue that the administration’s policies are failing to shield consumers from global shocks.
Trump acknowledged the pain at the pump but struck a defiant tone. “Prices may stay high — they may even go higher — before the midterms,” he said. “But this is what strength looks like. We’re producing, we’re exporting, and the world is coming to us because American oil is the best.”
The developments highlight the close link between U.S. energy production and volatile geopolitics in the Middle East. With the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil shipments — effectively closed by Iran, traders have pivoted aggressively to the United States as a stable alternative supplier.
Analysts expect the export momentum to continue in the coming months, though the ultimate impact on domestic fuel costs remains uncertain as the crisis evolves.
