Q & Trey: The Cost of Gas and the Code of Justice

Trey Gowdy tackles a pressing public concern—why U.S. gas prices keep rising despite domestic oil abundance—with a candid, expert-backed explanation rooted in global markets, refining constraints, and regional disparities. He debunks the myth that domestic production alone guarantees cheap fuel, revealing that crude oil is priced globally, refining capacity is limited and expensive to expand, and regional fuel blends and taxes create massive price variations—California and Alaska see the highest costs, while South Carolina remains relatively affordable. Yet, even as he validates the frustration of drivers filling up for $80, he underscores that U.S. gas remains cheaper than in most other countries. The episode then pivots to a deeply personal and insightful reflection on his interview with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, where Gowdy reveals the profound humility and intellectual rigor of the judiciary. He shares how the justice’s mindset—prioritizing process over outcome, and admitting when he disagrees with his own rulings—stands in stark contrast to political thinking. This moment of reverence for the legal system’s integrity is underscored by a touching anecdote: Gorsuch signed a book for Gowdy’s wife’s former school, a gesture that exemplifies the quiet dignity of the bench. Finally, Gowdy confirms the long-awaited sequel to his bestselling novel *The Color of Death* is in final stages, set for a fall release, with new characters, a fresh plot, and deeper exploration of the criminal justice system—though he teases that the identity of 'J.D.' (a key twist from the first book) remains a secret, even to his own mother.