President Donald Trump announced Monday that he intends to suspend the federal gasoline tax to provide relief for Americans facing a massive surge in fuel prices. The move comes as a direct response to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has rattled global energy markets and sent costs at the pump soaring.
“We’re going to take off the gas tax for a period of time,” Trump said during a phone interview. “When gas goes down, we’ll let it phase back in. But for now, we’ll be doing something on that.”
The proposed suspension would target the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal tax on gasoline and the 24.4 cents-per-gallon tax on diesel. While the President has signaled his intent, the measure would require approval from a currently divided Congress to take effect.
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The announcement follows a significant escalation in the Middle East. Trump recently dismissed Tehran’s latest peace proposal—which reportedly included concessions on their nuclear program—labeling it “garbage” and “unbelievably weak.”
He warned that the existing ceasefire is currently on “life support,” as Iran continues its grip on the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
With oil prices consistently hovering above $100 per barrel, the administration is shifting its focus toward both domestic relief and international pressure.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, aiming to leverage Beijing’s position as a top buyer of Iranian oil to force a breakthrough in the stalled negotiations.
For the average American, however, the immediate focus remains on the gas pump, where prices have jumped more than 50% since the conflict began in late February.
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