Biden’s Reckless Raid on SPR: A Political Ploy That Left America Vulnerable

Washington, D.C. – March 12, 2026 –

In a brazen act of electioneering, President Joe Biden drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to historic lows, sacrificing national security for short-term political gains. Facing skyrocketing gas prices amid Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Biden unleashed the largest SPR release ever—180 million barrels—slashing the reserve by over 40% to just 347 million barrels by mid-2023. Critics, including Republicans, blasted this as a desperate bid to lower pump prices ahead of the midterms, not a true emergency response. “This wasn’t about energy security; it was about saving Democrats from their failed policies,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who demanded answers on the misuse.

The hypocrisy runs deep. Back in 2020, when oil prices cratered to historic lows, President Trump proposed a $3 billion infusion to refill the SPR, a smart move that could have stocked up cheaply and bolstered America’s energy independence. But Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, blocked it outright, labeling it a “big oil bailout” to spite Trump and sabotage his agenda. This partisan sabotage left the reserve vulnerable, forcing Biden’s massive drawdowns that totaled nearly 300 million barrels by 2024.

Now, with global tensions flaring— including the ongoing Iran conflict—America needs those reserves more than ever. Yet Biden’s actions, under the shadow of Obama’s lingering influence in this puppet presidency, have left the SPR at critically low levels, around 415 million barrels today, far below its 700 million capacity. Refilling efforts have been sluggish and incomplete, with only partial buybacks amid high prices, costing taxpayers dearly. This anti-American maneuver not only empowered adversaries like Russia and Iran but also hiked costs for hardworking families, proving once again that liberal elites prioritize power over patriotism.

President Trump, now back in office, vows to restore the SPR and end this Democrat-induced vulnerability. It’s time to hold Biden accountable for gambling with our energy future. -WAA

References:

1. https://www.ntu.org/foundation/detail/politics-drained-the-strategic-petroleum-reserve-reforms-can-refill-it-without-soaking-taxpayers
2. https://oversight.house.gov/release/fallon-depleting-the-spr-and-biden-admins-attack-on-american-energy-poses-national-security-risks
3. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-once-blocked-trumps-move-fill-nations-oil-reserves-now-he-wants-them-opened