Trump Considers Waiving Jones Act to Ease Energy Woes Amid Iran War

The century-old law restricts domestic shipping, but a temporary suspension could help counter soaring oil prices and supply chain disruptions.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:18am

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As the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran continues to upend global energy markets and supply chains, the Trump administration says it might suspend maritime shipping requirements under the Jones Act, a more than century-old law that requires goods hauled between U.S. ports to be moved on U.S.-flagged vessels. The White House confirmed it was looking into a temporary waiver to 'ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports'.

Why it matters

The Jones Act has long been criticized for slowing the delivery of goods and making gas more expensive, especially in states and territories supplied by sea like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Suspending the law could provide some relief by expanding transportation options, but it's not a sweeping fix for the broader oil price and supply chain issues caused by the Iran war.

The details

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, mandates that ships carrying cargo and passengers between U.S. ports must be built in the United States, owned by Americans, and crewed by U.S. citizens. This effectively prohibits foreign-flagged ships from domestic trade. The law can be waived in the 'interest of national defense' through the Homeland Security or Defense Department. U.S.-flagged ships are generally more expensive to operate and build than foreign ones, driving up costs for businesses and consumers.

  • On Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration was looking into a temporary Jones Act waiver.
  • On Friday, President Donald Trump said 'we'll take a look at everything' when asked if he would consider suspending the Jones Act.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who said the administration would consider suspending the Jones Act.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who confirmed the administration was looking into a temporary Jones Act waiver.

Wesley Jones

The U.S. Senator from Washington state who sponsored the Jones Act in 1920.

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What they’re saying

“We'll take a look at everything.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Fox News Radio)

“The administration is looking into a temporary waiver to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (White House Press Briefing)

What’s next

The White House has not provided a timeline for when a decision on a Jones Act waiver might be made.

The takeaway

The Jones Act has long been a point of contention, with critics arguing it drives up costs and slows the delivery of goods, especially in coastal states and territories. While suspending the law could provide some relief amid the energy supply disruptions caused by the Iran war, it's not a silver bullet solution and would face pushback from shipping companies and labor groups that have supported the protectionist measure for over a century.