Fact Check: Trump’s Gas Tax Suspension Claim Mostly True
A fact‑check of President Trump’s statement to suspend the federal gasoline tax finds the claim mostly true, with minor rounding differences and notes on required congressional action.
TL;DR
President Trump’s pledge to suspend the federal gas tax is mostly true, though he cited 18 cents instead of the actual 18.4‑cent rate. He said the move would counter pump prices that have risen from $2.98 to $4.52 a gallon since late February.
Claim Trump stated he would cut the 18‑cent federal tax on petrol to offset surging fuel prices.
Evidence AP and CBS reported Trump’s comment that he would suspend the gasoline tax for a period of time. The federal tax on gasoline is 18.4 cents per gallon. AAA data shows the national average price for regular gasoline was $4.52 a gallon at the time of reporting, up from $2.98 when the US‑Israel strikes on Iran began on February 28. Senator Josh Hawley announced on X that he would introduce legislation on Monday to suspend the tax.
Verdict The claim is mostly true.
Analysis Trump’s statement matches multiple news reports; the only inaccuracy is rounding the tax from 18.4 cents to 18 cents, which does not change the substance. Suspending a federal tax requires congressional action, a point noted by CBS. Watch for whether Congress passes a tax suspension bill and how pump prices respond in the coming weeks.
Continue reading
More in this thread
Conversation
Reader notes
Loading comments...