President Trump's demand that oil companies slash gas prices because they have earned "too much money" marks a troubling departure from free-market principles. By publicly pressuring private firms to absorb costs from geopolitical events like the Iran conflict, he invites executive meddling that distorts voluntary exchange and punishes success. Such rhetoric echoes the very regulatory instincts conservatives have long opposed. The Constitution grants no authority for the federal government to dictate profit margins or command businesses to subsidize consumers. Limited government exists to protect property rights and contracts, not to referee market outcomes or shield voters from the consequences of energy policy. Originalist understanding of the commerce power never contemplated presidents acting as price enforcers. True conservatism defends the right of producers to retain the rewards of risk and innovation rather than yielding to populist browbeating.