Newsom Blames Trump for Higher Gas Prices, 'War That No One Wants'

The California governor criticized the president's decision to strike Iran, arguing it has led to rising energy costs and an open-ended conflict.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran, arguing it has led to higher gas prices and an escalating conflict that "no one wants." Newsom said the Trump administration is neglecting core issues like affordability while pursuing an "illegal" war to boost the president's popularity.

Why it matters

Newsom's comments reflect growing political tensions over the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions and their impact on the U.S. economy. As a likely 2024 presidential contender, Newsom is seeking to position himself as an alternative to Trump on key issues like energy prices and the cost of living.

The details

In remarks to reporters, Newsom accused the Trump administration of spending more time "talking about his ballroom" than laying out a clear strategy for the conflict with Iran. He argued the strikes fit into a broader pattern of the White House neglecting core issues like rising prices that were central to Trump's 2016 campaign promises.

  • Newsom made the comments on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California and a likely 2024 presidential contender.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president whose decision to strike Iran Newsom is criticizing.

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What they’re saying

“Look at your cost at the pump the last few days: That was an act of the Trump administration.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (yahoo.com)

“They're not doing a damn thing about affordability.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

Newsom's criticism of Trump's Iran policy highlights the political fault lines over the administration's foreign policy decisions and their domestic economic impact. As a potential 2024 contender, Newsom is seeking to position himself as an alternative to Trump on key issues like energy prices and the cost of living.