Trump Promotes Gas Chain Linked to Former Investment Firm

President Donald Trump and the White House promoted the Freedom Fuel Network, a 25-store convenience store chain that launched in June 2026. The network initially attracted attention by selling gasoline at a promotional price of $3.47 per gallon during a period of high oil prices linked to a war with Iran. Industry experts suggest the pricing was a loss-leader to gain visibility, as prices have since begun to increase at several locations, such as one in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, where costs rose to $3.82 per gallon.

The chain is operated by a group of businessmen, including former Evesham Township mayor and Baltimore Ravens coach Randy Brown and former Mercuria director Yoni Gontownik. Fourteen of the network's stations are linked to brothers Shamikh and Syed Kazmi, who have faced multiple civil judgments, including a federal order to pay over $600,000 for unlawfully taking more than 200,000 gallons of fuel.

While the White House denies any official involvement, funding, or personal connection between the president and the venture, records show Trump previously held up to $25 million in stock in Blue Owl Capital. This investment firm owns approximately one-third of the Freedom Fuel properties, including the first station located in Dresher, Pennsylvania.