Gavin Newsom Says Trump Delivering ‘Windfall’ Profits For 'Big Oil' Giants XOM, CVX Amid Iran War—Bernie Sanders Says Surge Is ‘Beyond Unacceptable’
Key takeaways
- Oil giants are posting record profits amid rising gas prices, drawing sharp political criticism that could sway investor sentiment and policy debate.
- ExxonMobil adjusted earnings 130% to $17.5 billion
- Chevron adjusted earnings 185% to $10.4 billion
- Shell adjusted earnings nearly doubled
What happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Bernie Sanders publicly criticized President Donald Trump for allegedly giving big oil companies a windfall during the Iran conflict, citing sharp profit jumps for ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell while gas prices rise. Newsom’s post highlighted ExxonMobil’s adjusted earnings up 130% to $17.5 billion and Chevron’s up 185% to $10.4 billion. Sanders added that gas prices have climbed 39% since the war began, with Exxon’s profits up 130%, Chevron’s 185%,…
Why it matters
The remarks spotlight the tension between rising consumer fuel costs and soaring oil company profits, potentially influencing public opinion ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. They also raise questions about the President’s personal financial interests in oil firms, which could affect policy decisions and…
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. Over the next few days, oil shares may react to the political backlash, with potential short‑term swings as investors weigh the risk of regulatory scrutiny.
Longer-term. In the months ahead, the narrative could prompt increased scrutiny of executive holdings and energy policy, potentially affecting long‑term valuation of oil majors.
Words on this card
- Adjusted earnings
- Profit figure that excludes one‑time items to show ongoing performance
- Q3
- Third quarter of the fiscal year
- AAA
- American Automobile Association, which tracks fuel prices
- Earnings Learn
- A company’s results report — usually profit and sales for a quarter, plus any update on what comes next.