Doug Burgum blames Gavin Newsom for gas prices above $4

Doug Burgum said Friday on to thank Gavin Newsom for rising gas prices, putting the California governor at the center of a national price issue. The national average was still well above $4 when he made the remark.

Asked by Aishah Hasnie about mounting gas prices, Burgum answered, "Thank Gavin Newsom for that." His line singled out Newsom while the broader price level remained high for drivers across the country.

exchange with Aishah Hasnie

Burgum made the comment in response to a question from Hasnie, giving the exchange a clear and immediate frame: he tied higher fuel costs to Newsom rather than to the other factors circulating around the debate. Donald Trump, meanwhile, had said Monday that ships were again moving through the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway would be "completely open" by Friday.

Trump also said Monday, "Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz." That statement pointed to a vital oil route that had been part of the wider discussion around gas prices.

Gas Prices Above $4

The national average gas price remained above $4, so Burgum's comment landed while drivers were still facing prices at a level that had not eased back to a lower baseline. The source said the prices were universally believed to be the result of Trump's ongoing war with Iran.

That left Burgum's blame assignment at odds with the explanation attached to the price level in the source material. For readers watching pump prices, the immediate takeaway is simple: Burgum used a national television appearance to shift responsibility to Newsom even as the average stayed above $4.