President Donald Trump of the United States has acknowledged the financial strain experienced by many Americans due to the rising gas prices. However, his proposal to temporarily halt the federal fuel tax may not have the desired impact on both him and drivers.
On Monday, Trump expressed his desire for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, a move that necessitates approval from Congress.
The current U.S. federal tax on a gallon of gasoline stands at 18.4 cents, a fraction of the current national average pump price of $4.52 US per gallon, as reported by travel services agency AAA.
Since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran at the end of February, the national average price has surged by 50%, translating to a $1.54 US per gallon increase in just 10 weeks.
Trump himself acknowledges that reducing the tax will only marginally impact the price. “It’s a small percentage, but it’s, you know, it’s still money,” he remarked on Monday.
As gas prices continue to climb, Trump’s approval ratings have declined. With less than six months remaining until the pivotal midterm elections that will determine the fate of Republican control of Congress during the latter part of Trump’s tenure, the White House is under pressure to address inflation.
A recent U.S. poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for Reuters news agency revealed that over three-quarters of respondents attribute the surge in gas prices to Trump.
Polling Highlights Widespread Economic Concerns
Alec Tyson, the lead pollster for Ipsos based in Washington, emphasized that the price hike significantly influences public perception of the president. “Americans view it as a consequence of the conflict in Iran, a decision made by the administration, leading them to hold the Trump administration accountable,” Tyson informed CBC News.
Tyson indicated that the challenge for the Republicans lies in gas prices being just one element contributing to Trump’s diminishing approval rating. “While suspending the gas tax is generally supported, its impact on improving the president’s economic standing or addressing cost of living concerns, where American sentiments are broadly worrisome, remains uncertain,” he added.
The Ipsos survey, conducted from April 15 to 20 among a nationally representative sample of 4,557 U.S. adults, including 3,577 registered voters, highlighted the concerns of the populace. The data was weighted to account for demographics and political party affiliation.
At a gas station in Washington, D.C., Oz Mangrum, a hotel manager, pointed to the White House as responsible for the high gas prices. He remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached soon.
Mangrum revealed that the escalating fuel costs are prompting him to consider drastic measures. “I am spending $60 to $80 every single time, which is kind of unrealistic after a while,” he shared. “I’m thinking about getting a bike.”
Following Trump’s call to suspend the gas tax, two Republican legislators—one from the House and the other from the Senate—announced plans to introduce bills to enact this measure.
When asked about the duration of the tax pause, Trump replied, “Until it’s appropriate.”
A temporary halt would result in a monthly cost of about $3.5