Brief
Trump says he is weighing suspension of federal gas tax
The president said the idea would need congressional action, but both chambers are not slated to reconvene until after the election.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he is "thinking about" suspending the federal gas tax, which adds 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel, in an effort to lower fuel costs.
Trump said the proposal would require Congress to act, yet neither the House nor the Senate is scheduled to return to Washington until after the November midterm elections.
The president highlighted that four states—Ohio, Utah, Georgia and Indiana—have already waived or reduced their own fuel taxes ahead of the vote. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine suspended the state's 38.5‑cent gasoline and 47‑cent diesel taxes through Dec. 31; Utah Governor Spencer Cox cut his state's levies by six cents; Georgia Governor Brian Kemp halted his state's 33.3‑cent gasoline and 37.3‑cent diesel taxes until at least Oct. 29; and Indiana Governor Mike Braun suspended a 7% gasoline use tax and a 37‑cent diesel excise tax.
Trump also referenced a recent executive order that allows truckers to buy tax‑free “red dye” diesel through Dec. 31, expanding its use beyond tractors and construction equipment.
Key facts
- President Trump said he is considering suspending the federal gasoline and diesel tax. (nypost.com)
- The federal gas tax adds 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel. (nypost.com)
- Four states—Ohio, Utah, Georgia and Indiana—have already waived or reduced their fuel taxes. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Trump says he’s considering suspending federal gas tax as states lead effort to lower costs”
