Its the gas tax, stupid

Published: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:38 pm

Trump Proposes Gas Tax Suspension, Newsom Remains Resistant

President Donald Trump has proposed a suspension of the federal gas tax until the end of the Iran war, a move that could potentially find bipartisan support in Congress. This proposal comes as a contrast to the approach taken by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has resisted calls to suspend or lower the state's gas taxes.

California currently has some of the highest gas taxes in the nation, standing at 61 cents per gallon, excluding sales tax and other fees. The unpopularity of these taxes is significant, as demonstrated by the recall of a Democrat who voted to raise them in 2018.

The text highlights a controversial tactic used by then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra to influence voters regarding a ballot measure, Proposition 6, aimed at repealing the gas tax. Becerra allegedly used misleading language in the ballot description, focusing on potential funding losses rather than the tax reduction itself. A judge found the language misleading, but an appeals court upheld Becerra's discretion. Polls indicated that the misleading description significantly impacted voter perception, with a lower percentage supporting the proposition as described compared to those favoring the repeal of the gas tax.

Despite the political sensitivity surrounding gas taxes, Newsom has not committed to repealing them. The text suggests that Newsom's stance may be influenced by political opposition to Trump's policies. The author suggests that suspending or lowering the state's gas tax could positively impact affordability and potentially boost economic growth. Additionally, the author recommends accelerating local oil and gas production and ceasing opposition to the Trump administration's offshore oil policies.

BNN's Perspective:

The debate over gas taxes underscores the complex interplay between political ideology and economic realities. While suspending or lowering gas taxes may offer immediate relief to consumers, it's crucial to consider the long-term implications for infrastructure funding. A balanced approach that prioritizes affordability while ensuring sustainable transportation funding is essential.

Keywords: gas tax, Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, California, taxes, Iran war, Proposition 6, Xavier Becerra, fuel prices, economy, transportation funding, political strategy, ballot measure, bipartisan, affordability

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