President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into major oil companies, citing concerns that gasoline prices have not declined rapidly enough.
The order marks a significant escalation in the administration's scrutiny of the energy sector, shifting focus from production incentives to potential pricing misconduct.
The probe comes as the president faces mounting criticism regarding the economic impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
With geopolitical tensions keeping crude benchmarks elevated, the administration is under pressure to demonstrate control over domestic fuel costs ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The investigation signals a willingness to use regulatory leverage to address consumer pain points, even as supply-side risks persist globally.
This development follows earlier reports that Trump had already instructed the DOJ to examine gasoline pricing structures.