Federal gas tax: What it is, and whether Trump’s suspension could help

Published May 13, 2026 7:00am ET | Updated May 13, 2026 9:10am ET



President Donald Trump‘s latest effort to curb soaring gas prices caused by the war in Iran is to call for a suspension of the federal gas tax.

Since the war started in late February, gas prices have risen nearly 50%, with the national average sitting at $4.50 per gallon as of Tuesday.

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