Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has recently sparked criticism on social media after blaming U.S. President Donald Trump for the high cost of living in the state. Most of the criticism came from seemingly unhappy Pennsylvania locals, who appear to be tired of high taxes.
In a post shared on X, the recently re-elected governor blamed the federal administration, something that did not sit well with locals. According to him, Trump’s “economic chaos” made grocery prices go up due to tariffs, and gas is too expensive because of “his war in Iran.”
He also said that a priority in his second term will be easing the economic pain caused by the federal administration and highlighted that Pennsylvania has already passed 10 tax cuts in a highly divided legislature.
Shapiro recently defeated Republican candidate Stacy Garrity and secured his re-election. He won with 60.4% of the vote, against Garrity’s 38.3%, in a resounding victory.
Pennsylvania Governor Accused of Using Trump as a Scapegoat
While most Pennsylvanians seem to be content with Shapiro, as almost two-thirds of voters picked him, many social media users were still not convinced that he was the right choice for the state.
The main issue seemed to stem from high taxes. One user wrote: “Pennsylvania has inheritance tax, local income tax, fifth highest gas tax, emissions tax. These are the extra taxes Pennsylvania has on you people.” Another added: “You have done nothing to ease the burden of us Pennsylvanians. Tired of you blaming Trump when you could have lowered taxes.”
Blaming Trump was also met with skepticism. As one person put it, “It would be so cool if you could do even 1 post without mentioning Donald Trump. Just 1. Try it, you might like it.”
Others agreed with the sentiment: “Can you explain any of these things you did? Can you explain how you blame Trump for everything but we have top 5 gas taxes, highest toll roads and tops car registration tax in the country!”
Some folks were also unhappy with the recent decision to hike the minimum wage in PA: “So now you’re gonna drive up the minimum wage and raise prices for all of us.”
With Shapiro continuing to serve as governor during the Trump administration, groups that oppose him are expected to keep criticizing him. In any case, the polls show he also has plenty of supporters.
