On
September 17, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted sharp gas
price increases in Midwestern states like Iowa's 25-cent spike and similar
rises in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, blaming President Trump.
Social media users countered by noting California's average of $6.0851 per gallon dwarfs the national $4.4386, driven by high taxes over 70 cents per gallon, special fuel blends, limited refining, and imported oil.
The exchange underscores ongoing debates over state policies and national energy trends, echoing Newsom's past promises like a 2022 tax rebate.