CNN went to town on California’s highest-in-the-nation gas prices — leading a defensive Gov. Gavin Newsom to fire back at the left-leaning network.
In a recent segment, Margins of Error host Harry Enten expressed disbelief at the numbers fueling the Golden State’s pain at the pump.
“Oh my goodness gracious,” the analyst said in the clip, which he posted to his X account, pointing out California’s $6.13 average per gallon compared to the national average of $4.48.
“There’s even a gas station out there where the cost is about $10 per gallon,” Enten added.
“Of course, if you’ve ever been out there, you always know that the prices in California for a gallon of gas are just simply put, absolutely outrageous. The folks in California really getting hurt by this increase in gas.”
The host also broke down why the state’s gas prices are so high, calling out California’s gas taxes and fees adding up to 71 cents per gallon, compared to the national average of 33 cents.
He then highlighted a CBS poll showing that 57% of voters rejected the added costs related to California’s green standards.
“Californians are clearly feeling the pain, and many of them, at this point said, it’s just simply not worth it,” Enten said.
Newsom’s press office seized on the clip, saying the main blame for skyrocketing gas prices should fall on President Trump over the war in Iran, which has constrained global oil supply.
“Harry, a friendly reminder: Trump started a war with no plan, and everyone’s paying for it. Other states are paying so much more than CA that the gap between CA and national prices is DOWN, not up,” his office wrote on X.
The note also included statistics showing California’s 32% increase in gas prices compared to bigger spikes in other states.
The gas tax was upheld by voters in 2018 to provides funding for “safer roads, bridge repairs, and clean air,” Newsom added. “It hasn’t changed a cent since the war started.”
Gas prices in the state have hit record highs this year, with critics blaming the state’s green-energy policies for closing down refineries and further restraining supply in the state.