The operator behind at least six of the mysterious Freedom Fuel discount gas stations had faced a stream of nearly 200 penalties in New Jersey before President Donald Trump touted the network last month, according to state records POLITICO reviewed.
The penalties pertaining to safety and environmental violations laid out in New Jersey public records raise questions about how much the administration knew about the network that the White House promoted and Trump praised in social media posts and official press releases.
Gasoline prices have remained stubbornly high because of the disruptions in the global energy markets from the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, presenting a threat to Republicans’ narrow hold on Congress in the upcoming midterm election.
The White House had lauded the Freedom Fuel backers in the days before the July Fourth holiday as patriots who have helped tame prices at the pump.
