- California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for sharing a video of an Army helicopter flyover at the Indy 500, with Newsom's press office responding on X, "Sir, we just want lower gas prices."
- The criticism arises amid significant increases in gas prices, with the national average for a gallon of gas reaching roughly $4.50 and $6.12 per gallon in California, largely attributed to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Newsom's team also directed similar criticism at the administration regarding plans for a UFC fight at the White House to celebrate America's 250th birthday, reiterating the demand for lower gas prices.
- Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump admitted, “I don't think about Americans’ financial situation” as his focus was on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, , despite rising inflation and living costs impacting citizens.
- Democratic Senator Patty Murray expressed concerns about these celebrations appearing "out of touch," criticizing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's cross-country road trip for the 250th birthday, noting that ordinary Americans do not have corporate sponsors to cover such expenses.
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