Gas prices seen at a Mobil station on September 21, 2026. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is considering suspending the federal gasoline tax as soaring fuel prices threaten Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections.
What they're saying:
The per-gallon federal gas tax is currently at 18.4-cents. President Trump has previously voiced his support for a suspension in previous months. Speaking to reporters who asked about concerns on whether it should be waived, President Trump said, "We’re thinking about that."
Trump’s remarks came a day after he signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel, a move he unveiled from a rally stage in Nebraska.
The backstory:
The White House has grown increasingly concerned that high gas and diesel prices, driven by the U.S. war with Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and attacks on refineries in the Middle East and Russia, could fuel voter backlash.
Republicans hold a narrow lead in both chambers of Congress, and any suspension of the federal gas tax would require congressional approval.
Dig deeper:
Fuel prices have climbed sharply in recent weeks, contributing to inflation and weakening consumer sentiment. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a record low of 32%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday, with Americans citing the rising cost of living as their top concern.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by Reuters. This story was reported from Orlando.