President Donald Trump announced support for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax on Monday, citing escalating fuel prices amid ongoing tensions with Iran. During a meeting with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump endorsed legislation proposed by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri to pause the federal levy on gasoline and diesel fuel.
The federal gas tax currently adds 18.4 cents per gallon to regular gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon to diesel fuel. National average gas prices have surged from $2.98 per gallon in late February to $4.52 as of Monday, according to AAA. The spike coincides with heightened hostilities following U.S. military engagement in Iran.
Trump’s Statement
‘Until it's appropriate,’ Trump responded when asked how long the gas tax should be suspended. He added, ‘Now, when this ends, you're going to see it drop like a rock.’
Trump reiterated his support for the measure earlier Monday during a phone interview with CBS News, stating, ‘I think it's a great idea. Yup, we're going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we'll let it phase back in.’ However, any suspension of the federal gas tax would require congressional approval, and the White House has not detailed alternative implementation strategies.
The proposal comes as American workers and families grapple with rising transportation costs, which threaten to undermine economic stability and consumer spending. While the temporary suspension could provide immediate relief, critics warn of potential long-term impacts on federal infrastructure funding, which relies heavily on gas tax revenue.