Trump SLASHES Gas Tax Amid $4.52 Gallon Shock

A gas station at night with illuminated fuel pumps and a convenience store

President Trump vows to slash the federal gas tax amid $4.52-a-gallon agony from the Iran war, but will Congress deliver relief before drivers revolt?

Story Snapshot

Trump declares in CBS interview: “We’re going to take off the gas tax for a period of time” until prices drop.[1]
Gas prices spiked over 50% since Iran war began February 28, hitting $4.52 nationally per AAA.[1][2]
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) plans bill to suspend 18.4 cents/gallon gas tax and 24.4 cents/gallon diesel tax.[1][2]
Energy Secretary Chris Wright says administration “open to all ideas” for consumer relief.[3]
Requires Congressional approval; costs government $500 million weekly in highway funds.[1]

Trump’s Direct Pledge Ignites Gas Tax Debate

President Trump stated in a May 11, 2026, CBS News phone interview his plan to suspend the federal gas tax temporarily. He said, “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.” This targets the 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel, amid prices soaring past $4.50.[1][2]

Trump tied the move to the Iran war, predicting fuel costs will “drop like a rock” once resolved. Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, choking global oil flows and driving U.S. prices up 50% since February 28. Drivers face sticker shock, with California nearing $6 per gallon.[1][5]

Administration Shifts Stance Under Pressure

Energy Secretary Chris Wright opened the door on NBC’s “Meet the Press” May 10, declaring the administration “open to all ideas” to cut consumer costs. This reverses the White House’s stance last week, when it told Axios the idea was “not currently under consideration.”[3][2]

Wright framed it as part of broader efforts, including tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and easing the Jones Act for fuel imports. He warned prices stay elevated during the conflict but will fall lower post-resolution.[5][3]

Republicans respond fast: Senator Josh Hawley announced on X his bill to suspend the tax, while Representative Anna Paulina Luna plans House legislation. Democrats like Senator Mark Kelly already proposed similar pauses.[1][2]

Iran War Fuels the Price Crisis

The war erupted February 28, with Iran sealing the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for 20% of world oil. AAA reports national average gas at $4.52 Sunday, up from under $3 pre-war. Jet fuel doubled, pressuring airlines Trump rejected bailing out.[1][2]

Trump critiqued Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “60 Minutes” claim of no perfect foresight on Iran’s blockade. Trump asserted, “I did,” citing his past operations to keep the strait open, hinting at restarts or harsher actions.[1]

⛽ TRUMP BACKS TEMPORARY FEDERAL GAS TAX SUSPENSION

President Trump said Monday he supports pausing the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax as prices climb amid the Iran conflict, predicting fuel costs will drop sharply once resolved. Congressional approval would be needed.… pic.twitter.com/aQtJs8SFin

— The Dallas Express News (@DallasExpress) May 11, 2026

States like Georgia, Indiana, and Utah suspended their taxes, offering models but limited national impact. Federal suspension promises 18-24 cents savings per gallon—real cash for commuters, though critics call it a mere dent in $1.50+ surges.[5]

Obstacles Loom Large for Quick Relief

Congress must approve any pause; history shows zero federal gas tax holidays despite 20+ proposals since 2008. The tax funds highways, bridges, and transit—suspension drains $500 million weekly with no clear replacement.[1][3]

Trump’s timeline stays vague: “for a period of time” or “until it’s appropriate,” linked to war end. Midterms amplify pressure; voters punish pump pain. Common sense demands action—families stretch budgets thin—but fiscal conservatives eye revenue holes.[1][2]

Will Hawley’s bill gain traction? Democrats’ own proposals blur lines, yet divided Congress stalls. Trump’s bold call rallies bases, but execution tests resolve amid war fog. Drivers watch pumps, not promises.[2][3]