By Natalie Andrews
WASHINGTON -- President Trump said he supports suspending the federal gasoline tax, responding to a surge in fuel prices driven by the war in Iran.
"I'm going to," he told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, arguing that gas prices will "drop like a rock" once the war winds down. Asked how long the tax should be suspended, Trump said, "Until it's appropriate," adding that the tax is a relatively small proportion of the cost of gas "but it's still money."
The price of gas has steadily increased since the U.S. and Israel launched the war at the end of February. The average nationwide cost of one gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is roughly $4.50, according to AAA. One year ago, it was $3.14.
Any effort to suspend the gas tax would require congressional approval. Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) said Monday on social media that he would introduce a bill to suspend the 18 cent-per-gallon tax. Democrats have endorsed similar legislation.
"Families need help now," Sen. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.) wrote on X. "Let's get it done."
The spike in gas prices has triggered concern among Republicans in Washington, who worry it could hurt the GOP in November's midterm elections. Trump has previously argued that increased fuel prices are a price worth paying to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
The war in Iran has slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that transports oil and other products.
Spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) didn't respond to requests for comment on the legislation.
The federal gas tax has never been suspended since it was implemented in 1932, but some presidents have considered it when prices climb. States have previously suspended their own state gas taxes.
Georgia and Indiana suspended their state gas taxes earlier this year. Utah legislators passed a 15% reduction in their state's tax to start on July 1 for six months. Other states are considering suspensions as people increase travel during the summer.
Watch: How the War in Iran Is Reshaping Air Travel
Write to Natalie Andrews at natalie.andrews@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 11, 2026 14:27 ET (18:27 GMT)
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