It’s no secret that gas and diesel are expensive across America, and many are blaming the current administration. But as California drivers fill up ahead of Memorial Day weekend, they were met with a political message at Chevron gas stations this week: don’t blame President Donald Trump for soaring gas prices, blame Sacramento Democrats instead, as they make up the majority of politicians in the city and even in California.
Signs recently posted at Chevron gas pumps across the state accuse California lawmakers of driving fuel costs through taxes, environmental regulations, and energy policies. One of the most widely shared signs reads, “Sacramento policies did this. Now you pay more,” while another claims, “California politicians are choosing foreign oil and fuels over local jobs and lower costs.”
One driver, who filmed the video above, even reiterated what Chevron was supposedly trying to say, “It’s not Donald Trump making our gas more expensive. It’s California politics.” The enraged driver added, “They’re [expletive] crooks. [Expletive] the Democrats!” The campaign has quickly gone viral online as frustrated motorists continue paying some of the highest gas prices in America. According to AAA, California’s statewide average hit $6.14 per gallon on Thursday, roughly $1.58 higher than the national average.
Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen confirmed the signs were part of a broader campaign aimed at educating consumers about California’s fuel policies. “We are trying to educate consumers about how politicians are picking their pockets,” Allen said. “These environmental fees, taxes, and regulations might be small individually, but cumulatively they are making the cost of living in California much more expensive.”
California Democrats fired back
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom clapped back on Thursday, with his office encouraging Californians to avoid Chevron stations during the holiday travel weekend. In a post on X, Newsom’s office claimed Chevron charges significantly more than unbranded gas stations despite fuel often coming from the same refineries and pipelines.
Newsom’s office also accused oil companies, like Chevron, of profiting from global instability tied to tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed oil prices upward nationwide. Online reactions ranged from praise for Chevron allegedly “telling the truth” to criticism blaming both Democrats and Republicans for rising prices nationwide. One viral commenter summed up the divide by writing, “Californians are getting double hit by both parties on gas.”
Others had to point out that the oil price hike actually affects the whole country, not just one state full of Democrats. “This isn’t just in California it’s the whole [expletive] country!” rants one X user. Interestingly enough, the high gas prices have acted as the catalyst for Trump supporters to lose faith in the President, and even some MAGA supporters have announced their change of heart.
