Loading...
Loading...
President Donald Trump said he supports suspending the federal gasoline tax, telling CBS News on Monday that the levy should be lifted “for a period of time” and phased back in when prices fall. The endorsement reverses the White House’s position from last week, when it told Axios a suspension was not under consideration, as Republicans face political pressure over rising pump prices. Any pause would require congressional action because the federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. Sen. Josh Hawley
Tech professionals should track federal gas tax discussions because changes can shift transportation costs, supply chain expenses, and commuting patterns that affect logistics, cloud data center operations, and employee mobility. Congressional action is required, so legislative timelines and partisan dynamics will determine if any pause occurs.
Dossier last updated: 2026-05-15 22:13:01
President Donald Trump has floated suspending the federal gasoline tax as prices rise, but analysts told WIRED the move would likely deliver only limited savings while cutting critical infrastructure funding. The federal levy is just over 18 cents per gallon and cannot be paused without an act of Congress; it has never been suspended since its creation in 1932. AAA data put the national average at $4.53 per gallon on Thursday, up from $4.12 a month ago and $3.18 a year ago. Experts cite broader drivers—oil market volatility, refining and retail costs, and supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure since early March—as dominating pump prices. The tax funds the Highway Trust Fund, and nearly 40% of US roads need repair, raising concerns about lost revenue.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on Thursday for a rare, openly acknowledged meeting with Cuban intelligence officials, Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas, and Raúl Guillermo “Raulito” Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former leader Raúl Castro, according to Axios. The trip comes as Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage and broader economic crisis; the energy minister said Wednesday the country had run out of fuel oil and diesel, with blackouts potentially exceeding 20–22 hours a day. U.S. officials said Ratcliffe delivered President Trump’s message that Washington could engage on economic and security issues only if Cuba makes “fundamental changes,” and warned it cannot remain a haven for U.S. adversaries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also held secret talks, while new sanctions raise costs for companies operating in Cuba.
President Donald Trump said he supports suspending the federal gasoline tax, telling CBS News on Monday that the levy should be lifted “for a period of time” and phased back in when prices fall. The endorsement reverses the White House’s position from last week, when it told Axios a suspension was not under consideration, as Republicans face political pressure over rising pump prices. Any pause would require congressional action because the federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. Sen. Josh Hawley said he will introduce legislation Monday, and Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Jeff Van Drew also announced bills. Senate Majority Leader John Thune voiced reservations, citing potential harm to the Highway Trust Fund. AAA lists regular gas at $4.52, up from under $3 before the Iran war.
President Donald Trump told Axios on May 10, 2026 that he would reject Iran’s response to the latest U.S. draft agreement aimed at ending the war, calling Tehran’s letter “inappropriate” and “totally unacceptable” on Truth Social. The U.S. had waited 10 days for Iran’s reply, and the White House had hoped it would show progress. Iranian state media said Tehran prioritized guarantees the war would not resume, demanded lifting U.S. sanctions, ending the U.S. naval blockade upon signing, releasing frozen assets, and maintaining an MOU followed by 30 days of talks, including sanction relief for oil sales during that window. Reports did not cite nuclear concessions. Trump said he discussed the response with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Brent crude rose about 3% to roughly $104.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have intensified public criticism of Cuba, raising concerns that U.S. threats of military action could escalate, Axios reports. The administration has increased pressure through additional sanctions imposed last Thursday, while U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance flights off Cuba’s coast have surged since February, according to a CNN review of flight data. Trump suggested Friday that an aircraft carrier returning from Iran could be positioned offshore. Rubio called Cuba’s system unfixable and blamed the unelected ruling party’s incompetence. U.S. officials told Axios Cuba is “failing” after losing Venezuelan support, while the State Department said it prefers diplomacy but won’t allow a worsening security threat. Brazil’s President Lula said Trump privately denied invasion plans. The article was updated 12 hours ago.