Energy secretary says Trump administration is open to suspending federal gas tax as fuel prices rise

Sunday, May 10, 2026U.S. PoliticsWell-covered3 frames

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration is open to suspending the federal gas tax to help lower fuel costs.
Wright made the comments during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Multiple reports said the national average U.S. gasoline price was about $4.52 a gallon on Sunday, based on AAA data.
The federal tax discussed is about 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and about 24 cents per gallon on diesel.
The administration's consideration of a gas-tax pause comes as fuel prices have risen during the conflict involving Iran, with several reports linking the increase to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Wright declined to predict whether gas prices could reach $5 a gallon, saying he was avoiding price predictions.
A gas-tax suspension would matter to drivers nationwide because it could reduce pump prices by roughly the amount of the federal gasoline tax, though prices would still remain above prewar levels cited in reports.
It remains unresolved whether President Donald Trump will approve a federal gas-tax pause or how long elevated gasoline prices will last.

How left and right are reading this

Both agree: Rising fuel costs are already squeezing drivers and businesses nationwide, and a federal gas-tax pause would offer only limited, temporary relief while the broader pressure from the disruption could continue.
They split on: Less a disagreement than a question of emphasis: who bears the nationwide burden if relief does not come, versus whether the administration should follow through on a direct tax cut that gives drivers immediate help.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration is open to suspending the federal gas tax to help lower fuel costs.
Wright made the comments during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Multiple reports said the national average U.S. gasoline price was about $4.52 a gallon on Sunday, based on AAA data.
The federal tax discussed is about 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and about 24 cents per gallon on diesel.
The administration's consideration of a gas-tax pause comes as fuel prices have risen during the conflict involving Iran, with several reports linking the increase to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Wright declined to predict whether gas prices could reach $5 a gallon, saying he was avoiding price predictions.
A gas-tax suspension would matter to drivers nationwide because it could reduce pump prices by roughly the amount of the federal gasoline tax, though prices would still remain above prewar levels cited in reports.
It remains unresolved whether President Donald Trump will approve a federal gas-tax pause or how long elevated gasoline prices will last.