WASHINGTON, May 11 - President Donald Trump said on Monday he wants the 18 cent federal gas tax suspended for a period, while rejecting the need for targeted federal relief for airlines facing higher jet fuel costs, CBS News reported.
Speaking to CBS, the president set out a short, specific approach to the federal gasoline levy: "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," he said.
On the question of assistance for the airline industry, Trump told CBS that a bailout plan had not "really been presented" and added that "the airlines are doing not badly." The president therefore dismissed the idea of immediate federal aid for carriers confronting higher jet fuel expenses.
Separately, the administration signalled some openness to the suspension of the federal gas tax. On Sunday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News’ "Meet the Press" program that the Trump administration was open to suspending the federal gas tax.
State governments have also taken action to relieve pressure at the pump. U.S. states levy their own gasoline taxes, and Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia have moved to cut state-level gasoline taxes in an effort to ease consumer costs.
U.S. pump prices have increased since the Iran war began on Feb. 28. According to AAA, the national average price for one gallon of gasoline stood at $4.52 as of Monday.
Context and implications
The president’s remarks highlight a federal-level policy option - temporarily suspending the 18 cent per gallon federal gasoline tax - aimed at delivering short-term relief to motorists. At the same time, his comments signal reluctance to adopt direct federal financial support for airlines, absent a formal bailout proposal.
State-level tax cuts in Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia reflect localized policy responses to rising fuel costs.
Sources cited in reporting
- CBS News - report of the president's statements.
- NBC News’ "Meet the Press" - Energy Secretary Chris Wright's comments on possible suspension of the federal gas tax.
- AAA - national average gasoline price of $4.52 per gallon as of Monday.