The Freedom Fuel Network, a chain of gas stations promoted by former President Donald Trump for selling fuel at $3.47 per gallon, is reportedly operated by a group of businessmen that includes an NFL coach, a Republican fundraiser, and two New Jersey brothers with a history of civil penalties. The chain, which launched last month in the Philadelphia area, has drawn attention for its low prices, especially as consumers faced higher oil costs.
President Trump enthusiastically promoted the network on his Truth Social platform on July 1, writing, "I am pleased to announce that a VERY smart Retailer, located throughout the Northeast, is stepping up." The White House also shared a video highlighting the opening of the first station, located in Dresher, Pennsylvania. This station is owned by a subsidiary of Blue Owl Capital, an investment firm in which Trump has previously held a significant stock stake.
The White House has denied any direct involvement or funding of the company, stating, "The Administration is not involved in the company, nor has the Administration given the company any funding. There is no other entity or person subsidizing the lower gasoline costs." However, an administration official acknowledged that the White House had discussions with individuals involved in setting up the gas station network.
Blue Owl Capital owns about a third of the Freedom Fuel properties but stated it leases the stores to independent contractors and is not involved in their operations. Fourteen stations within the 25-location network are linked to Shamikh and Syed Kazmi, brothers who have faced numerous civil lawsuits and penalties. Public records and individuals familiar with the businesses indicate that Shamikh Kazmi is leasing eight stations from Blue Owl, while records show the brothers are linked to six other locations through business filings or fuel supply.
In February, a federal judge ordered the Kazmi brothers to pay over $600,000 to a fuel supplier that accused them of unlawfully taking more than 230,000 gallons of fuel in August 2021. The supplier has stated it has not yet received payment. Separately, Syed Kazmi was ordered to pay $380,000 in a lawsuit brought by 7-Eleven regarding his operation of a franchise that was flagged for unsanitary conditions and missing merchandise.
Records show the Freedom Fuel Network was registered in Delaware on June 23, with documents signed by Randy Brown and Yoni Gontownik. Brown is identified as a senior special teams coach for the Baltimore Ravens and a former mayor of Evesham Township, New Jersey. Gontownik is a former investment director at Mercuria and has been involved in political fundraising activities.
Industry experts suggest that promoting gas at $3.47 per gallon likely means the chain is selling fuel at a loss. A spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores noted that such low promotional prices are typically short-lived. Indeed, social media posts and gas price tracking websites indicate that prices at Freedom Fuel locations have begun to increase this week. A station in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, for instance, was selling regular gasoline for $3.82 per gallon on Thursday.
The Freedom Fuel Network posted a statement on its website thanking Trump for his "strong endorsement" and attributing their "explosive growth" to it, while also stating they are "proudly lowering its prices to benefit our community."