President Trump pledges to suspend the federal gas tax, delivering direct relief to American families crushed by sky-high fuel prices from the Iran conflict.
Story Highlights
- Trump endorses temporary suspension of 18.4 cents per gallon gas tax and 24.4 cents on diesel until prices drop.[1]
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirms administration openness to the move amid soaring costs.
- Bipartisan bills introduced, including by Democrats like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, show momentum for relief.[1][4]
- State successes like Georgia’s suspension prove feasibility, but Congress must act.[3]
- Opposition cites Highway Trust Fund losses, yet consumer pain demands action now.[5]
Trump’s Direct Endorsement
President Donald Trump stated in a CBS News interview on Monday that his administration will suspend the federal gas tax for a period of time. He specified the tax at 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel. Trump explained the pause would last until gas prices decrease, then phase back in. This move targets relief for drivers facing national averages over $4.50 per gallon due to the Iran war.[1][3]
Energy Secretary Chris Wright affirmed the Trump administration’s openness to suspending the tax. Wright highlighted the 18.4-cent-per-gallon rate as a key factor amid rising fuel costs. Trump estimated savings of approximately 18 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 24 cents on diesel for consumers.[6]
Bipartisan Push in Congress
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced plans to introduce a bill on Monday suspending the federal gas tax. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) also prepares House legislation. Democrats joined with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introducing the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026. This bill suspends the tax until October 1, with a House companion referred to the Ways and Means Committee.[1][2]
Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), chair of the Senate Finance subcommittee on energy, expressed reservations. Lankford opposes suspension now due to federal debt and deficit concerns. He noted any bill would take time to process, emphasizing fiscal responsibility amid infrastructure funding needs.[5]
Impacts and State Precedents
The federal gas tax generates over $23 billion annually for the Highway Trust Fund, supporting highway repairs and transit. Suspension could cost $500 million weekly, requiring general fund transfers. Economists predict 80% pass-through to pumps, lowering prices about 15-18 cents per gallon. In high-tax states like California, state levies over 70 cents per gallon limit the effect.[1][3]
Big move: Trump backs federal gas tax suspension. Will it bring relief? ⛽ #Trump #GasTaxHoliday
— Watching Trending (@WT_Trending) May 12, 2026
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 1199 on March 20, 2026, suspending state motor fuel taxes. This action provides a model, showing states can implement relief quickly. South Carolina lawmakers propose a similar 28-cent suspension. These precedents counter claims of infeasibility, urging Congress to follow suit for national relief.[3][5]
Sources:
[1] Web – Some lawmakers call for federal gas tax suspension: What to know
[2] Web – Congress must suspend federal fuel tax to provide gas price relief
[3] Web – 2026 Suspension of Georgia Motor Fuel Taxes – FAQs
[4] Web – As fuel prices rise, US lawmakers push to suspend the federal gas tax
[5] YouTube – SC lawmakers proposing 28 cent gas tax suspension
[6] YouTube – Trump proposes suspending federal gas tax as average …
