Trump Admin Weighs Waivers to Jones Act to Curb Gas Prices

The White House is considering temporarily lifting shipping restrictions to address rising fuel costs amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:36pm

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The Trump administration is considering issuing waivers to the Jones Act, a century-old law that requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be on American-built, -owned, and -operated vessels. This move is aimed at alleviating rising gas prices, which have surged due to the ongoing military conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The administration says it is acting "in the interest of national defense" to ensure the free flow of vital energy products and agricultural necessities to U.S. ports.

Why it matters

The U.S. and Israel's military strikes against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, have disrupted global oil supplies and contributed to soaring gas prices that are straining American household budgets. Lifting the Jones Act restrictions could allow foreign oil tankers to more easily transport fuel from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast, potentially easing supply shortages and lowering prices at the pump. However, the move is controversial, as the Jones Act is intended to support the domestic shipping industry and national security.

The details

The Jones Act, formally known as Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on ships that are built, owned, and operated by Americans. The Trump administration is considering issuing 30-day waivers to this law, which would permit foreign oil tankers to supply refiners on the East Coast with fuel from the Gulf Coast and other regions. This action has not been finalized, but the White House has reportedly told oil and shipping companies to prepare for a potential waiver.

  • The Jones Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on June 5, 1920, following World War I.
  • On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, a military strike against Iran.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is considering issuing waivers to the Jones Act.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who stated the administration is considering the waivers "in the interest of national defense."

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary who expressed optimism that gas prices will fall again in the coming weeks.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran who was killed in the U.S. and Israel's military strikes.

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What they’re saying

“In the interest of national defense, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports. This action has not been finalized.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (Newsweek)

“The Trump administration, in stark contrast to the Biden administration, his goal has been to lower energy prices, the Biden administration quite successful in raising energy prices. Gasoline today is still $1.50 a gallon cheaper than it was in the middle of the Biden administration But you're right. We want it back below $3 a gallon. And it will be again before too long.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary (CNN's State of the Union)

“I filled it up once, and I'll fill it up again, but right now, we'll reduce it a little bit, and that brings the prices down. We have to get rid of the evil, it was great evil, taking place in Iran, as you know, and our military has been unbelievable.”

— Donald Trump (WKRC (Cincinnati-based news station)

What’s next

More details about when the potential waivers could be issued remained unclear early Thursday afternoon.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's consideration of Jones Act waivers highlights the delicate balance between maintaining domestic shipping capacity, preserving maritime jobs, and ensuring the free flow of vital energy and agricultural products to address rising gas prices amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.