President Donald Trump’s recent support for suspending the federal gas tax has brought new attention to an idea that often resurfaces when fuel prices spike. While the proposal has quickly gained support from some lawmakers in both parties, it still faces major political and financial obstacles that make it far from certain.
The federal gas tax currently adds 18.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.3 cents per gallon for diesel, along with a small additional fee used to address leaking underground fuel tanks. Trump’s endorsement has pushed the issue into the national spotlight, but turning it into law would require action from Congress.
Some Republicans moved quickly after Trump’s comments. Senator Josh Hawley promised to introduce legislation to temporarily suspend the tax. However, not all Republicans are on board. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he has not historically supported the idea, though he is open to hearing arguments from colleagues who favor it.
Thune pointed to one of the biggest concerns: lost funding for the Highway Trust Fund, which pays for road construction, bridge repairs, and public transit projects across the country. He argued that reopening global oil supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, would likely do more to lower gas prices than removing the tax.
It is also unclear how strongly the White House will push the proposal. Trump has often floated policy ideas publicly without always making them a central part of his legislative agenda, leaving questions about whether this is a serious priority or simply a political talking point.
The issue has also become part of the early conversation surrounding the 2028 presidential race. Several possible candidates from both parties have shown support for a temporary gas tax holiday, including Senator Mark Kelly and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Democrats remain divided. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not rejected the idea outright but argued that an 18-cent reduction would not make up for much larger increases in gas prices caused by global conflict. He said broader solutions would be needed to significantly lower costs for consumers.
The financial cost of suspending the gas tax is another major hurdle. Research firm ClearView Energy Partners estimated that a tax holiday running from mid-May through November could cost nearly $14 billion in lost federal revenue for gasoline alone. Including diesel and other fuels would increase that figure significantly.
That high price tag has historically made lawmakers reluctant to approve a gas tax holiday, especially because the savings for drivers would be relatively small compared to the overall cost to the federal government.
Still, with midterm elections approaching and both parties fighting for control of Congress, analysts say the idea cannot be completely ruled out. Political pressure to show action on rising fuel prices could give the proposal new momentum, even if its chances remain uncertain.