Energy Secretary Chris Wright signaled during NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that the Trump administration remains open to a federal gasoline-tax suspension as prices at the pump climb. When directly asked about halting the current 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal excise tax, Wright stated the administration is “open to all ideas” that could lower costs for consumers and businesses while acknowledging every policy option carries tradeoffs.

The national average price for regular gasoline reached $4.452 per gallon as of May 4, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Wright’s comments mark a notable shift from earlier White House statements indicating such a tax suspension was not under consideration. The administration cannot unilaterally suspend the tax, requiring congressional action—a reality Wright acknowledged while emphasizing consumer relief remains the priority.

The federal gas tax funds the Highway Trust Fund, which supports road and infrastructure projects nationwide. Any temporary suspension would disrupt state allocations for construction and maintenance, necessitating legislative action from Congress. Regional price disparities underscore the urgency: drivers on the West Coast face $5.58 per gallon, while Californians pay up to $5.96—a stark contrast to Gulf Coast and Texas prices near $3.90.

Wright’s public signal positions the tax holiday as part of a broader energy strategy alongside prior executive actions, including Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases and Jones Act waivers. The administration has not yet proposed formal legislation but maintains the option is under active consideration amid rising fuel costs for millions of Americans.