Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered a direct message Tuesday to gasoline retailers across the country: step up and pass savings on to American drivers, especially as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this month. The Trump administration is watching closely.

“I would encourage all the gasoline retailers — some of them owned by Big Oil, some independent, some international convenience chains — to be good actors, especially in the 250th anniversary, because we’re watching,” Bessent said on Fox & Friends.

President Donald Trump reinforced the point Monday night on Truth Social, signaling that this White House will not tolerate price gouging while global oil prices have already dropped following new agreements.

Bessent made clear the expectation: lower pump prices should follow swiftly. “We’re going to hold them accountable on the other side,” he vowed.

This is classic Trump-era leadership — using the bully pulpit to protect hardworking American families from unnecessary pain at the pump. After years of inflation and energy weakness under previous policies, the Trump administration’s focus on production, deals, and accountability is delivering results at the global level. Now it’s time for retailers to do their part instead of padding margins during a patriotic milestone.

Americans deserve relief, not excuses. The message from this administration is loud and clear: play fair, pass on the savings, and help make this semiquincentennial celebration one of renewed American strength and prosperity.