Story perspectives

Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver, Boosts Oil Shipments

4/25/2026

Summary

Trump Extends Waiver

President Donald Trump extended the Jones Act waiver starting May 18, 2026 to ease oil price spikes from the Iran war.
Taylor Rogers said the waiver moved over 40 tankers carrying more than 9 million barrels, with Phillips 66 first using it to ship Bakken crude from Beaumont, Texas to Pennsylvania on a Malta-flagged tanker.
Critics such as the American Maritime Partnership say the extension harms U.S. shipbuilding and national-defense despite economic benefits.

Summary

Trump Extends Waiver

The Jones Act waiver was extended to curb fuel-price spikes before the November midterm elections, but analysts warn higher shipping costs may keep prices elevated after the Iran conflict.
A Reuters/IPSOS poll shows 77 % of voters blame President Donald Trump for gas prices, with 55 % of Republicans, 82 % of independents and 95 % of Democrats.
Oil-industry groups lobbied for the extension, but Jennifer Carpenter said it affronts hardworking Americans.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 OAPEC oil embargo forced Nixon to issue a temporary Jones Act waiver for 15 foreign-flagged tankers delivering about 2 million barrels daily, a move that helped blunt gasoline price spikes. Decades later, the 2026 waiver—backed by Phillips 66 and promoted by Donald Trump—revives that same strategy to temper oil-price volatility.

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Trump Extends Waiver

President Donald Trump extended the Jones Act waiver starting May 18, 2026 to ease oil price spikes from the Iran war.
Taylor Rogers said the waiver moved over 40 tankers carrying more than 9 million barrels, with Phillips 66 first using it to ship Bakken crude from Beaumont, Texas to Pennsylvania on a Malta-flagged tanker.
Critics such as the American Maritime Partnership say the extension harms U.S. shipbuilding and national-defense despite economic benefits.

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