Energy secretary says Trump administration is open to suspending gas tax amid soaring prices
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the Trump administration is open to all ideas, including suspending the federal gas tax, to lower soaring gas prices, which have reached a national average of $4.52 per gallon amid the Iran war.
- Wright emphasized support for any measures that reduce pump prices but acknowledged that every option has trade-offs, without committing to specific actions.
- Democrats have introduced a bill to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax until October as a response to rising fuel costs.
- Wright declined to predict whether gas prices will hit $5 per gallon but highlighted the U.S.'s strong position due to domestic oil and natural gas production and ongoing efforts to counter Iran's influence on the Strait of Hormuz.
- The administration paused a military operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz but may resume it if diplomatic efforts fail, aiming to increase economic pressure on Iran.
