LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Vice President JD Vance said rising gas prices are a short-term issue during a visit to Michigan on Wednesday, as Democrats criticized the administration’s broader economic policies.
Speaking at a manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Vance acknowledged the recent spike in fuel costs tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
“We’ve got a rough road ahead of us for the next few weeks, but it’s temporary,” Vance said, adding that energy prices will “come back down to reality.”
According to AAA, Michigan’s average gas price reached about $3.87 per gallon on Wednesday, up nearly a dollar from a month ago.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said families are already feeling the impact.
“No amount of lip service from Vance will make up for the fact that Republicans have made life less affordable for working families,” Hertel said.
Hertel and other Democrats pointed to rising costs for groceries, utilities, and health care, arguing policies under President Donald Trump are contributing to financial strain.
During his remarks, Vance also highlighted manufacturing, saying Michigan has added jobs under the administration. Federal data shows the state saw a short-term increase early in 2025, followed by losses later in the year.
Republicans defended the administration’s approach.
“President Trump and Vice President Vance are delivering on their promise to cut taxes, lower costs, and bring manufacturing jobs back to Michigan,” said Samantha Cantrell, a regional press secretary for Senate Republicans.
U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers called the visit “the beginning of a Michigan revival,” pointing to tax cuts and efforts to reshore jobs.
The visit also comes after the administration approved disaster aid for northern Michigan following a severe ice storm, which Rogers cited as an example of federal support for the state.
Vance also addressed trade with Canada and the future of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, but did not directly say whether the project would open on schedule.
The visit comes as economic issues remain a central focus ahead of upcoming elections, with both parties offering sharply different views on the administration’s impact.
