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Trump says he’ll move to suspend federal gasoline tax. He can’t do it on his own

3 articles
3 sources
0% diversity
Updated 12.5.2026
Key Topics & People
Josh Hawley *Missouri Congress Mark Kelly Rachel Ziemba

Coverage Framing

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Political Strategy(2)
Economic Impact(1)
Avg Factuality:73%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

May 12 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
gasoline taxfuel pricesiran warcongressgas tax suspension
Political Strategy(1)
Associated Press (AP)May 12

Trump says he’ll move to suspend federal gasoline tax. He can’t do it on his own

President Donald Trump announced he intends to suspend the federal gasoline tax to alleviate rising fuel costs attributed to the Iran war. However, the President lacks the unilateral authority to implement this suspension; Congress must approve such a measure. Lawmakers from both parties have previously supported a gas tax holiday, citing the need for relief for consumers and businesses. The federal tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline, generates over $23 billion annually for highway and transit programs. Trump's announcement comes as average national gas prices have reached $4.52 per gallon, a significant increase since the conflict began.

MeasuredFactual5 sources
Neutral

Key Claims

quote

President Donald Trump said he will move to suspend the federal tax on gasoline.

— Donald Trump

factual

The president cannot suspend the federal tax on his own; Congress would have to approve the move.

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The average national gas price was $4.52 a gallon as of Monday.

— AAA motor club

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The federal tax on gasoline is 18.4 cents per gallon and supports federal highway and public transit programs.

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Republican Sen. Josh Hawley will introduce legislation to suspend the gas tax.

— Josh Hawley

May 11 Evening

2 articles|2 sources
fuel pricesdonald trumppetrol taxfederal gas taxus-israel war on iran
Economic Impact(1)
Al JazeeraMay 11

Trump says he will suspend petrol tax amid soaring US fuel prices

President Donald Trump announced he intends to suspend the 18-cent federal petrol tax to address soaring fuel prices. This move, which requires Congressional approval, aims to provide relief to American consumers. Senator Josh Hawley plans to introduce legislation to support the President's proposal. While Trump stated the tax would be waived "for a period of time" and "till it's appropriate," no specific end date was given. The White House had previously indicated consideration of this measure. The federal petrol tax generates $2.5 billion annually for US roadway infrastructure. This action comes amid rising fuel costs and follows Trump's comments on the US ceasefire with Iran being "on life support."

MeasuredFactual3 sources
Neutral
Political Strategy(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMay 11

Trump vows to pause federal gas tax after Iran war boosts US fuel prices to four-year high

President Donald Trump has pledged to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax to alleviate rising fuel costs for Americans. This announcement comes as the US-Israel conflict with Iran has driven national average gasoline prices to a four-year high of $4.52 per gallon. The federal gas tax, which contributes approximately $500 million weekly to government revenue, would be paused until fuel prices stabilize. While Trump acknowledged the tax is a small portion of the overall cost, Republican lawmakers have expressed support and indicated they will introduce legislation to enact the suspension. This move is intended to provide relief amid an ongoing affordability crisis and ahead of midterm elections.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Neutral

Key Claims

quote

President Trump announced he will suspend the federal petrol tax to offset soaring fuel prices.

— Donald Trump

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Suspending a federal tax requires an act of the US Congress, not just the White House.

factual

Senator Josh Hawley plans to introduce legislation to suspend the petrol tax.

— Josh Hawley

statistic

The federal petrol tax generates $2.5bn in funds used for US roadway infrastructure.

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Senator Mark Kelly proposed suspending the petrol tax until October.

— Mark Kelly