TRUMP AXES Gas Tax – Unbelievable Relief!

May 13, 2026

President Trump vows to suspend the federal gas tax, delivering direct relief to American families crushed by soaring pump prices from the Iran conflict.

Story Highlights

Trump endorses temporary suspension of 18.4 cents per gallon gas tax and 24.4 cents on diesel until prices drop.[7][11]
National average gas hits $4.52 per gallon, up 20 cents in weeks amid war-driven spikes.[3]
Republican leaders like Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduce supporting bills.[1][2][7]
Bipartisan push includes Democrats like Sen. Richard Blumenthal with Gas Prices Relief Act.[1]
Move requires Congress but promises 18 cents savings per gallon for everyday drivers.[6][10]

Trump’s Direct Response to Soaring Gas Prices

President Donald Trump announced in a CBS News interview on May 11 his plan to suspend the federal gas tax temporarily.[1][7] Gas prices reached a national average of $4.52 per gallon that day, according to the American Automobile Association, rising over 20 cents since late April due to the war with Iran.[3] Trump stated, “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.”[1] He emphasized the tax as a small but meaningful relief, saving drivers approximately 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel.[6][10][11]

Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the administration’s openness to the suspension amid these fuel cost pressures.[1] Trump predicted oil prices would “drop like a rock” once hostilities end, tying the relief to resolving the Iran conflict. This action addresses frustrations from high energy costs that hit working families hardest, echoing conservative calls for limited government burdens during crises.[2]

Bipartisan Legislative Momentum Builds

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) pledged to introduce a Senate bill on May 11 to suspend the federal gas tax.[1][2][7] Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) plans a House bill this week, inspired by Trump’s remarks.[1][2] Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) also signaled similar legislation.[2] Democrats joined with Senator Richard Blumenthal’s Gas Prices Relief Act, suspending the tax through October 1, and matching House proposals referred to the Ways and Means Committee.[1]

State precedents bolster the case: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 1199 on March 20, 2026, suspending motor fuel taxes.[3] These efforts show feasibility, providing models for federal action to ease consumer pain without permanent spending hikes.[3]

Challenges and Fiscal Realities Ahead

Congress must approve the suspension, as the president lacks unilateral authority.[1][2][7] The tax generates over $23 billion yearly for the Highway Trust Fund, supporting roads and transit; a pause costs about $500 million weekly.[1][3] Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) expressed caution over federal debt, urging fiscal responsibility.[5]

James Lankford (R-Okla.), chair of the Senate Finance subcommittee with jurisdiction on energy issues, told me he wouldn't support a gas tax holiday “right now,” citing the federal debt and deficit. As a reminder, Congress would have to approve a suspension of the gas tax. (2/9)

— Pavan Acharya (@pavanmacharya) May 12, 2026

Economists note an 80% pass-through rate, yielding roughly 15-18 cents actual savings per gallon.[6][10] State taxes, like California’s over 70 cents per gallon, limit impact there, but nationwide relief aids most drivers.[1][10] Critics highlight infrastructure risks, yet bipartisan support and state successes counter objections, prioritizing family budgets over elite fiscal lectures.[2][5]

Relief for Conservative Values Under Pressure

Trump’s proposal counters years of inflationary policies and energy dependence that burdened Americans.[2] High prices exacerbate costs from past overspending and globalist failures, hitting truckers, commuters, and rural families.[3][11] By targeting this tax, the administration upholds limited government principles, delivering tangible wins without new entitlements.[1] Passage would affirm conservative priorities: individual liberty, fiscal common sense, and protection from crisis profiteering.[6]