Can President Trump unilaterally suspend the federal gasoline tax, and what is the current federal tax rate per gallon?

No, President Trump cannot suspend the federal gasoline tax on his own; Congress must approve such a move. The federal tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.

What is the stated rationale for suspending the gas tax, and how much have national average gas prices increased since the start of the Iran war?

The stated rationale is to help Americans cope with surging fuel prices caused by the Iran war. As of Monday, the average national gas price was $4.52 a gallon—50% higher than the pre-war average of just under $3 a gallon.

Trump Proposes Suspending Federal Gasoline Tax Amid Rising Prices

May 12, 2026

President Trump proposes suspending the federal gasoline tax to address surging fuel costs amid the Iran conflict, requiring congressional approval. Meanwhile, the administration releases oil from reserves while lawmakers debate the fiscal impact on highway funding.

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