Trump Wants To Pause Gas Tax – Is It Possible?
May 12, 2026 – AUSTIN — Sid Miller is applauding Donald Trump for signaling support for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, a move that supporters say could provide immediate financial relief to American families and the agricultural sector.
In a statement released Tuesday, Miller said the proposal aligns with his earlier calls for both federal and state leaders to ease the burden of rising fuel costs. He had previously urged Trump and Greg Abbott to suspend motor fuel taxes as gasoline prices climbed above typical levels.
Suspending the federal gas tax would require congressional approval, and it could cost the government billions of dollars in revenue.
“Several weeks ago, I called on both Governor Abbott and President Trump to temporarily suspend both the state and federal motor fuels tax,” Miller said. “I am very pleased that President Trump is seriously considering doing exactly that.”
The federal gas tax, currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon, is a key source of funding for infrastructure projects. However, proponents of a suspension argue that even a temporary pause would deliver direct savings at the pump during a period of economic strain.
Trump said he would move to suspend the 18.4-cents-per-gallon gas tax, which primarily funds federal highway and mass transit.
Miller emphasized that the impact of high fuel prices extends beyond commuters, hitting farmers and ranchers especially hard. Agriculture operations depend heavily on fuel for planting, harvesting, transportation, and distribution. Rising costs, combined with ongoing drought conditions and supply chain challenges, have placed additional pressure on producers across Texas.
“Fuel prices impact everything from planting and harvesting to hauling livestock and stocking grocery shelves,” Miller said. “Temporary fuel tax relief is common sense, pro-consumer, and pro-Texas.”
The proposal has gained traction as several states, including Indiana, Georgia, and Utah, have already enacted temporary fuel tax relief measures at the state level. Miller pointed to those actions as examples and renewed his call for Texas to follow suit.
Whether Congress will cooperate on a federal gas tax pause remains uncertain, as lawmakers from both parties weigh the political appeal of immediate consumer relief against concerns about long-term infrastructure funding. While allies of Donald Trump argue that suspending the tax would quickly lower costs for drivers and farmers, some members of Congress are hesitant to back a measure that could reduce revenue for highway and transportation projects. Support may ultimately hinge on whether a temporary fix can be paired with alternative funding solutions, but with partisan divisions still sharp, any agreement is likely to face a challenging path on Capitol Hill.
While critics caution that suspending fuel taxes could reduce funding for road maintenance and infrastructure, supporters argue that the economic benefits of short-term relief outweigh the drawbacks, particularly during periods of elevated prices.
Trump has not yet announced a final decision, but his consideration of the measure has drawn praise from allies who view it as a decisive step aimed at easing financial pressures on working Americans.
