Yahoo News Donald Trump claims 'fake news media' is blaming him for Thanksgiving traffic jams because he pushed petrol prices so low
Donald Trump has claimed the "fake news media" is blaming him for the country's huge Thanksgiving traffic jams because he pushed petrol prices so low.
About 54 million people were said to be travelling at least 50 miles for Thursday’s holiday, with 49 million making their journey in cars.
It is the biggest Thanksgiving traffic since 2005, and caused huge backlogs across the country as people made their getaways.
But the president accused the “fake news media” of blaming him for the huge jams, offering a sarcastic apology.
You just can’t win with the Fake News Media. A big story today is that because I have pushed so hard and gotten Gasoline Prices so low, more people are driving and I have caused traffic jams throughout our Great Nation. Sorry everyone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2018
He tweeted: “You just can’t win with the Fake News Media. A big story today is that because I have pushed so hard and gotten Gasoline Prices so low, more people are driving and I have caused traffic jams throughout our Great Nation. Sorry everyone!”
It was not clear which stories Mr Trump was referring to.
The president was mocked following his latest social media outburst.
John Stefanac replied: “Sometimes you just have to check to make sure you're not reading a Tweet from a parody account.”
Sometimes you just have to check to make sure you're not reading a Tweet from a parody account
— John Stefanac (@jmstefanac) November 22, 2018
Another Twitter user posted: “You don’t get out much do you? Of course not what with all the limos, helicopters, and private jets one day looks like all the others.
“But for most of us the traffic jams you reference are caused by the fact it’s THANKSGIVING tomorrow. The most travelled day of the year. Putz.”
Another said: “Literally not one person is saying that, Donny.”
There were some kind words from Vette Maloney, however. She posted: “Mr President, please enjoy this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your wonderful Family. You certainly deserve it. My Family and I appreciate everything that you continue to do to support the people of our country. God Bless you.”
Stunning aerial images showed masses of bumper-to-bumper traffic in Los Angeles and other major cities ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday.
Bill Sutherland, a senior vice-president at AAA travel, said the high number of travellers could be linked to families enjoying a prosperous year.
He said: “Consumers have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season: higher wages, more disposable income and rising levels of household wealth.
“This is translating into more travellers kicking off the holiday season with a Thanksgiving getaway.”
