President Trump says a new oil reserve agreement with Venezuela will "substantially lower gas prices," but experts say it could be years before the operation is up and running. Chris Pilkerton, assistant secretary for investment security…
Page F1From§Eachthe milkman edition — 1 September 2026
Venezuela oil deal fuels gas price questions as Paxton allies buy $15 million in ads
The U.S.-Venezuela oil deal is pitched as a solution for high gas prices, while Paxton's allies launch a $15 million ad campaign. The receipts show the fix on paper and the spend in practice—one promises relief, the other delivers messaging. The gap between the oil deal and the pump price is as measurable as the ad buy, and the column gap appears at the register and on the airwaves. The dollar value is precise, but the outcome is ambiguous. In lieu of lower prices, the public receives another round of commercials.
“Venezuela oil deal is supposed to lower gas prices, but Paxton’s allies spend $15 million selling something else. When the question is at the pump, the answer is in the ad budget. The fix is paid for, but the price stays a mystery.”
“International deals take time to show results, and ad campaigns are just how you inform voters. If gas prices don't drop right away, that's normal. $15 million is a sign of robust support, not influence. Or maybe it's just good messaging.”
The receipts
The new ads will highlight Paxton’s record as attorney general and attack James Talarico as weak on China.
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.