Trump administration considers waiving Jones Act to ease oil prices

Published March 12, 2026 12:12pm ET



The Trump administration is considering issuing temporary waivers for the Jones Act, a law mandating that goods shipped between United States ports be carried only by American-built ships, in an effort to curb oil prices elevated by the war in Iran.

“In the interest of national defense, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agriculture necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports. This action has not been finalized,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Washington Examiner in a statement.

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