President Trump didn't win the Detroit vote during the 2024 election, but he's sure scoring points at the corner of Harper and Cadieux, where a Trump-promoted gas station is selling fuel for 50 cents a gallon cheaper than the guys across the street.
We're talking about Freedom Fuel Network, a new discount gas chain that opened its first gas station in Michigan in the city of Detroit this week, selling gas for $3.47 a gallon − an introductory price that pays tribute to the 47th president of the United States. A few days after opening, however, the price jumped to $3.57 a gallon, still a bargain compared to the four bucks a gallon being charged at the three other gas stations on the same corner.
How this 2-month-old company is able to sell gas for
below market price remains a mystery, though a new federal lawsuit offers one suggestion: It alleges Freedom Fuel received $4 million worth of gas that hasn't been paid for. The lawsuit is actually against another company called KRSM, which bought the fuel from a Georgia oil company in July, delivered it to Freedom Fuel stations, but allegedly never paid for it. KRSM has denied the allegation in court documents. The case, which does not list Freedom Fuel as a defendant, is pending in Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of stubborn inflation and stagnant wages, folks in the Motor City are taking advantage of these savings at the pump.
What customers are saying
"When you need gas, you wait to get what's cheapest. Everything is so expensive now," said 48-year-old Sherman Burns Jr. of Detroit, who chuckled as he pumped gas under the patriotic-themed gas station, wrapped in red, white and blue artwork and a price sign that featured an American Bald Eagle and the name Freedom Fuel Network.
"It's kind of goofy," Burns said, noting he voted for Trump the first time he ran, but not the second because, as he put it, "It's a s--- show."
Burns' comments were echoed by many who stopped at the Freedom Fuel station on Friday, with comments about Trump ranging from "he's a clown" to "he's just trying to use us" to win political support for Republicans in Detroit. In the end, though, many didn't care about any of that.
As one man who declined to give his name put it: "Everyone is saying this is Trump gas … but I'm gonna do what I gotta do." As for the aesthetics, he said: "They just put some wrapping on it … they made it pretty. But it's still the same raggedy old gas station it's always been."
"It seems like a political stunt to me," said a 40-year-old Ferndale man who would only give his first name as Larry. As he filled up his pickup that takes 33 gallons of gas, he said he didn't care about the politics or Trump ties. Saving money was more important.
"But if it said proceeds will go to Trump's campaign, I would stop going," he said.
For Chaundra Hughes, a 61-year-old health care worker who stopped to get gas after noticing the price, said she loved the savings. But after learning that it was promoted by Trump, she said she's never going back.
"I'm not behind anything that he's behind," Hughes said, adding she'll drive to 8 Mile Road and look for cheaper gas than at Freedom Fuel. "I'll pay a little bit more."
Adam Chambers, a 43-year-old businessman from St. Clair Shores, had the same thought as he filled up his truck across the street at the more expensive Amoco station. He said the only way he would stop at a Freedom Fuel gas station is if he was running out of gas, and that was his only option.
"I think Trump is a clown," said Chambers, noting he's skeptical about the Freedom Fuel venture. "It seems a little weird. How do they manage to sell gas so much cheaper than anyone else?"
More Freedom Fuel on the way
Freedom Fuel did not return requests for comment.
According to the Freedom Fuel website, the chain now has 30 gas stations, and plans to add more. It does not list any owners' names, an address, or a Board of Directors. Rather, the bare-bones website features an image of an American Bald Eagle, a shoutout to Trump, a declaration to add more locations, a thank you to customers, and a description stating:
"Freedom Fuel Network is a privately owned and proudly patriotic company − along with its convenience store operators, haulers, sign companies, and operational partners − that answered President Trump’s call to action to lower prices at the pump. We didn’t hesitate; we took decisive action and lowered our prices to make filling up more affordable for hardworking families across the greater Philadelphia area."
The website also offers a vague statement about an unspecified controversy:
"Despite the misinformation and baseless speculation circulating, let us set the record straight: Freedom Fuel Network is proudly lowering its prices to benefit our community and strengthen our local economy. Just like the President, we remain committed to putting America First! God bless the U.S.A."
Freedom Fuel first debuted in Pennsylvania in July, with Trump announcing the venture in a July 1 Truth Social Post, just days before America's 250th Anniversary, writing:
"Just as I promised, Oil Prices are plummeting FAST, and Gas Prices at the pump are dropping too, but not as fast as they should be. As we approach America's 250th Birthday, I am pleased to announce that a VERY smart Retailer, located throughout the Northeast, is stepping up, and wishing the People of Philadelphia a 'Happy Birthday!'"
That same day, a trademark application for "Freedom Fuel Network" was filed in July for retail services involving convenience store items, gasoline and diesel fuel. The filing lists the owner as Freedom Fuel Network, LLC.
Six days later, the White House announced the arrival of Freedom Fuel gas stationsin a July 7 post on X, sharing a video of customers thanking Trump for lower gas prices.
Trump administration officials have told USA TODAY that the federal government has no role in the Freedom Fuel Network and is not providing it with funding. The White House also has said that "no other entity or person" is subsidizing the cost of gasoline.
Tresa Baldas:tbaldas@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump-backed gas station gives Detroiters relief at the pump
