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Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed on Sunday that the Trump administration is “open to all ideas” — including temporarily suspending the federal gas tax — as skyrocketing fuel prices continue to hammer American drivers.

With the national average price of gasoline hitting $4.52 per gallon, a staggering increase of more than 50% since the start of the Iran conflict, the White House is actively exploring emergency measures to provide relief at the pump.

When asked directly on NBC’s “Meet the Press” whether the administration would support suspending the 18-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax, Wright replied:

“All measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump… this administration is in support of.”

He added that “everything has trade-offs,” but made it clear the president is willing to consider bold options.

Growing Pressure on Prices

Democrats in Congress had already introduced a bill in March to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax through October. Now, with prices continuing to climb and midterm elections approaching, the issue has become intensely political.

Wright declined to predict whether gas could hit $5 per gallon but emphasized the U.S. is in a strong long-term energy position due to domestic oil and natural gas production. Just two months ago, he had predicted prices could drop below $3 by summer — a forecast that has not materialized as Iran maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

This surprising openness to suspending the federal gas tax signals that the Trump administration is feeling real pressure from voters over rising energy costs. While the conflict with Iran is the primary driver behind the surge, millions of American families are struggling at the pump and looking for immediate relief.

The comments come as the U.S. weighs whether to resume “Project Freedom” — escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz — or continue relying on economic pressure and diplomacy. Wright warned that if a negotiated settlement doesn’t materialize soon, the U.S. will return to “the military method” to reopen the critical waterway.

For now, the administration appears willing to explore every tool available — including a temporary tax break — to ease the burden on Americans before things get even worse.