Trump's Plan to Stop Gas Tax May Not Help US Drivers

US President Donald Trump knows that many Americans are unhappy about the high cost of gas. He wants to stop the federal fuel tax for now, but it may not help as much as he hopes. Trump is trying to help because gas prices are very high. Many Americans are feeling the pain of high gas prices.
Trump said he wants to stop the federal gas tax for a while.
The US federal tax on gas is 18.4 cents per gallon. This is a small part of the current average gas price of $4.52 per gallon.
The average gas price in the US is up 50% since the war with Iran started. This is an increase of $1.54 per gallon in just 10 weeks.
Even Trump knows that stopping the tax will not lower the price much.
Trump said, 'It's a small percentage, but it's still money.'
As gas prices rise, Trump's popularity falls. There are less than six months until the midterm elections. The White House is feeling pressure to deal with inflation.
A recent poll found that more than three-quarters of Americans blame Trump for the high gas prices.
Alec Tyson, a pollster, says the price increase affects people's views of the president.
Tyson said, 'It's seen as a result of the conflict in Iran, which the administration chose to take, and Americans say the Trump administration is responsible.'
Tyson says the problem for Republicans is that gas prices are just one factor in Trump's low approval rating.
Tyson said, 'Stopping the gas tax is a popular idea, but it may not improve the president's standing on the economy or cost of living.'
The Ipsos poll surveyed 4,557 US adults, including 3,577 registered voters, from April 15 to 20.
Outside a gas station in Washington, D.C., a man named Oz Mangrum was asked who he blames for the high gas prices.
Mangrum said, 'I think it's the big guy in the White House, but hopefully he can fix it soon.'
Mangrum said the high gas prices are making him consider drastic measures.
Mangrum said, 'I spend $60 to $80 every time I fill up, which is unrealistic. I'm thinking of getting a bike.'
After Trump suggested stopping the gas tax, two Republican lawmakers announced plans to introduce bills to make it happen.
When asked how long he wants to stop the tax, Trump said, 'Until it's appropriate.'
Stopping the tax would cost the US Treasury about $3.5 billion per month.
The US federal tax on gas has not changed since 1993.
In Canada, the government stopped the federal excise tax on gas and diesel in mid-April.
The Canadian tax is equivalent to 27.6 cents US per gallon.