Newsom’s Blame Game on Gas Prices BACKFIRES!

A man in a suit speaking at a podium with a microphone outdoors

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempt to blame President Trump’s Iran policy for soaring gas prices backfires spectacularly as critics expose his own state’s punishing taxes and green regulations as the true culprits behind $5.29 per gallon insanity.

Story Highlights

Newsom claims Trump’s “war with Iran” costs Americans $1.5 billion weekly at the pump, ignoring California’s highest-in-nation gas taxes and refinery closures.
Chevron warns Newsom’s CARB carbon cap proposals could shutter refineries, spike prices $1+ per gallon, and eliminate 500,000+ jobs.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlights federal approval of 6,000+ drilling permits under Trump, contrasting California’s restrictive policies.
Critics like Steve Hilton and oil executives call out Newsom’s hypocrisy amid ongoing $5+/gallon averages despite his claimed “stabilization.”

Newsom Points Finger at Trump Amid California Price Crisis

Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X blaming President Donald Trump’s “war with Iran” for a nationwide gas price spike, estimating $1.5 billion extra costs for Americans that week alone. Newsom credited California policies like SBX1-2 and ABX2-1 for stabilizing state prices. California gas averaged $5.29 per gallon on March 10, far exceeding national figures. This stance draws sharp rebuke from Republicans and industry leaders who attribute high costs to state-specific factors. Newsom positions his green agenda as a long-term fix while portraying Trump as reckless with “Drill Baby Drill” failures.

State Policies Fuel Sky-High Gas Prices, Experts Argue

California maintains the highest gas taxes and fees in the U.S., combined with mandates for costlier low-carbon reformulated gasoline and refinery reductions tied to climate goals. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposes withdrawing 118.3 million pollution allowances from 2027-2030, prompting Chevron President Andy Walz to warn of refinery closures, national security risks, and price hikes over $1 per gallon. U.S. Oil & Gas Association’s Tim Stewart labels California’s approach an “energy malaise” threatening western states. These policies persist despite Newsom’s 90% carbon reduction target by 2045, amplifying import reliance and vulnerability to global oil shocks.

Congressional GOP Candidate and Federal Officials Push Back

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton condemns California’s taxes as the “highest in America,” directly driving consumer pain. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contrasts federal energy dominance, noting over 6,000 drilling permits approved under Trump to lower national prices, while California restricts production. Chevron’s letter to Newsom, obtained by media outlets, details job losses exceeding 500,000 and fuel market disruptions from cap-and-invest amendments. These “receipts” undermine Newsom’s narrative, highlighting state mismanagement over federal actions. Critics frame this as government overreach prioritizing ideology over affordability for working families.

Newsom’s administration claims prior laws like SBX1-2 saved $9.3 billion through 2024 price drops of 70 cents per gallon from 2022 peaks, adjusted for inflation. Yet averages remain above $5, fueling frustration among drivers facing daily budget strains from energy-dependent sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

Broader Clashes Expose Policy Tensions

Ongoing disputes include California’s February 2026 lawsuit against Trump’s termination of $1.2 billion in federal energy funds and a March California-UK clean energy deal criticized by Trump as undermining U.S. policy. Newsom eyes a 2028 Democratic presidential run, using anti-Trump rhetoric to build his profile. Industry pressures CARB to reconsider rules, warning of refinery extinction and economic spillover. Federal actions emphasize American energy independence, aligning with conservative priorities of limited government and individual liberty against burdensome regulations.

Gavin Newsom Gets Covered in His Own Receipts While Trying to Blame Trump for High Energy Prices in CA https://t.co/XE69VNpv8p

— Twitchy Updates (@Twitchy_Updates) March 14, 2026

Short-term, Iran’s conflict spikes global prices, but California’s structural issues keep local costs elevated. Long-term risks include heightened import dependence, job losses, and unaffordable energy eroding family values and economic stability that conservatives champion.