Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News' 'Meet the Press' on Sunday that the Trump administration is 'open to all ideas' to lower the cost of gas, including suspending the federal gas tax. The interview aired on May 10, 2026.
Wright stated that the administration is considering various measures to address rising fuel prices, though he did not provide specific details on a timeline or conditions for a potential suspension. The federal gas tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon.
Gas prices have been a key economic concern, with the national average for regular gasoline at $3.61 per gallon as of May 11, 2026, according to AAA. This represents a significant increase from earlier in the year.
The proposal would require congressional approval, as the gas tax funds the Highway Trust Fund. Critics argue that suspending the tax could reduce infrastructure funding without guaranteeing lower prices for consumers.
