US President Donald Trump was repeatedly interrupted by protesters during a campaign rally in Texas on Wednesday evening, with local media reporting that around 10 demonstrators were removed from the event.
Trump described the protesters as “paid protesters,” as the crowd responded with loud boos before chanting the name of the United States.
One demonstrator appeared to film himself while being escorted out of the rally amid jeers from the crowd. Another protester was seen wearing a shirt bearing the message “Save Cuba,” in reference to the country facing a stringent US blockade and sanctions
Trump intensifies campaign rallies ahead of midterms
Trump has been stepping up his campaign rallies to mobilize his supporters ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November, as several opinion polls point to difficult prospects for the Republican Party.
The party faces the possibility of losing its majorities in both chambers of Congress, potentially exposing Trump to renewed scrutiny from the legislative branch, which exercises oversight over presidential powers under the US system of government.
Cost of living emerges as key campaign issue
The cost of living has emerged as a major issue in the election campaign, with fuel prices rising sharply amid the US war on Iran and the broader war in West Asia.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran has also contributed to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices, adding further pressure on household expenses and intensifying concerns over living costs ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump has ordered temporary relief from highway fuel taxes on red-dyed diesel, allowing the tax-exempt fuel typically used by farmers, construction companies, and other off-road operators to be used on public roads as US diesel prices surge above $6 per gallon.
Trump announced the measure at a rally in Nebraska on Monday, saying it would remove the usual restriction requiring dyed diesel to be used off-road. However, the executive order takes a narrower approach, directing the Treasury Department to postpone collection of the highway tax on dyed diesel used on public roads through the end of 2026. The deferred taxes would not accrue interest or penalties.
The administration also ordered officials to examine whether the outstanding tax could be eliminated altogether, while federal agencies and state governors would have discretion to suspend inspections and waive tax obligations for drivers.
The move comes as diesel prices have reached record levels in the United States amid tightening global fuel supplies. Diesel prices have climbed above $6 per gallon, increasing costs for freight transportation, agriculture, construction, and other sectors heavily dependent on diesel.
The White House attributed the rise in fuel prices to the war in Ukraine and insufficient global refining capacity, while also criticizing Democratic-controlled states over refinery closures linked to clean-energy policies. Russia, a major diesel supplier, has restricted exports following Ukrainian attacks on fuel infrastructure, adding further pressure to international fuel markets.
Trump's administration has been seeking ways to ease fuel costs as Republicans approach the November midterm elections, with high household and transportation expenses emerging as a potential political liability.
Trump also pointed to an agreement with European countries to release 100 million barrels of refined diesel from strategic reserves over four months. The administration has additionally considered restricting US diesel exports in an effort to increase domestic supplies.
Diesel is particularly important to the US economy because it powers freight trucks, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment, meaning prolonged price increases can feed into transportation, food, and industrial costs.
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