President Trump told CBS News Monday he backs temporarily suspending the 18.4 cent-per-gallon federal gasoline tax, a sharp reversal from just last week when the White House said the move was not under consideration. The endorsement comes as average U.S. regular gas prices hit $4.52 per gallon, their highest in four years, according to AAA, fueling political blowback.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday had already softened the administration's position, telling NBC's "Meet the Press" the White House was "open to all ideas" to lower consumer costs—while cautioning that "everything has tradeoffs." That comment followed a White House official telling Axios the proposal was not being actively considered, making Trump's latest remarks a dramatic pivot.
Suspending the tax would require congressional action, a hurdle the administration has not yet addressed. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said he will introduce legislation Monday to enact the suspension. Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) have already sponsored a bill to suspend the tax through Oct. 1.
The federal gasoline and diesel taxes fund the Highway Trust Fund, which supports roads and bridges. Previous proposals for a tax holiday during periods of high prices have surfaced over the decades but never passed. The White House did not specify whether Trump would push for a vote on the measure.
Economists warn that suspending the tax could deplete infrastructure funding without guaranteeing lower pump prices, as savings may not be passed to consumers. The administration has not addressed how it would replace the lost revenue.