WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Monday his intention to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax of 18 cents per gallon as American drivers continue facing elevated fuel costs during the ongoing Iran conflict, according to CBS News.
“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,” Trump stated during his interview with CBS.
When asked about potential assistance for airlines struggling with increased jet fuel expenses, Trump indicated no such relief package had been formally proposed. “The airlines are doing not badly,” he remarked to CBS, suggesting the industry doesn’t require a bailout at this time.
The announcement follows comments made Sunday by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who confirmed during NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the administration was considering a federal gas tax suspension.
Meanwhile, individual states have begun implementing their own relief measures. Indiana, Kentucky, and Georgia have all moved forward with reductions to their state gasoline taxes to help ease the burden on consumers filling up at gas stations.
Fuel costs have climbed steadily since the Iran war commenced on February 28th. According to AAA data released Monday, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline has reached $4.52.
