On July 3, 2026, the Justice Department urged states to look into potential price manipulation of gas prices following complaints from President Donald Trump about soaring costs. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson jointly sent a letter to state attorneys general, asking them to assist federal investigations into possibly illegal price practices.
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The letter emphasized that the recent fluctuations in crude oil prices do not exempt companies from adhering to antitrust or consumer protection laws. It read, "We also encourage State Attorneys General to use all tools available under your state laws to investigate and prosecute any misconduct causing unjustified price increases," particularly violations of state laws.
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Gas prices began climbing after late February when U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran led to Tehran's decision to significantly close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil transportation. Although an agreement was reached to reopen the strait, Trump took to Truth Social on June 23, expressing frustration at the sluggish decline in gas prices. He indicated that oil companies were not reducing pump prices to align with the falling costs they were paying for oil.
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As of the latest report, AAA stated the national average price for regular gasoline was $3.82 per gallon, down from $4.26 just a month earlier, and up from $3.16 the previous year. Trump has instructed the DOJ to expedite their investigation into these gas prices, urging a more noticeable decrease for consumers.
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SOURCES: Facebook Florida Hillbilly
