President Donald Trump (R-FL) said on Monday he wants to temporarily suspend federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel.
The proposal comes as soaring pump prices put pressure on U.S. consumers. The surge in fuel costs is linked to broader economic instability and geopolitical tensions involving Iran [2].
Trump said he would like to pause the federal 18.4 cents a gallon tax on gasoline and 24.4 cents a gallon tax on diesel "for a period of time" [1]. He said, "I think it’s a great idea" [3].
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration is open to suspending the federal gas tax to help Americans manage rising costs [3]. The move would target the specific federal levies of 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline, and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel [1].
While the administration expresses support for the pause, the action would require an act of Congress to be implemented [1]. The president did not mention congressional action during his call for the suspension [2].
This is not the first attempt to address fuel costs through legislation this year. In March 2026, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a bill to suspend the tax through October [1].
“"I would like to pause the federal 18.4 cents a gallon tax on gasoline and 24.4 cents a gallon tax on diesel 'for a period of time.'"”
The proposal highlights a strategy to provide immediate financial relief to motorists by reducing the cost of fuel at the pump. However, because the federal gas tax is statutory, the administration cannot unilaterally remove it. The success of this initiative depends on whether the president can secure a legislative majority in Congress to pass a suspension, similar to the bipartisan efforts seen earlier this year.
