Trump Considers Suspending Federal Gas Tax as Gas Prices Surge Across US

President Donald Trump said Tuesday, October 6, that he is considering suspending the federal gasoline tax as rising gas and diesel prices put increasing financial pressure on American consumers ahead of November’s midterm elections.

When asked whether his administration would temporarily eliminate the federal gas tax, Trump responded, “We’re thinking about that,” without providing additional details or a timeline.

The federal government currently imposes a tax of 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel.

Gas Prices Rise Ahead of US Midterm Elections

The proposal comes as Americans face elevated fuel costs, with the national average gasoline price reaching approximately $4.37 per gallon, more than a dollar higher than a year earlier.

Rising energy prices have become a major economic concern ahead of the November elections, when Republicans will seek to maintain control of Congress.

Fuel prices have increased amid ongoing military conflicts involving Iran and Russia, which have disrupted global energy supplies.

Federal Gas Tax Suspension Would Require Congress

Any suspension of the federal gasoline tax would require congressional approval, meaning Trump cannot eliminate the tax through executive action alone.

The president has previously expressed support for temporarily suspending fuel taxes to provide financial relief to motorists.

His latest comments follow an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel fuel as part of broader efforts to address rising transportation and energy costs.

No official decision has been announced regarding a nationwide suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

Reporting verified against Reuters, October 6, 2026. reuters.com