Story perspectives

Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver, Boosts Tanker Capacity 70%

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump extended the Jones Act waiver for 90 days, effective May 18, 2026.
The waiver lets over 40 foreign-flagged tankers move 9 million barrels, boosting domestic transport capacity by about 70 %.
White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers said the waiver accelerated supply deliveries while the administration released 172 million barrels, gasoline averaged $4.059 per gallon and Brent hovered near $105 amid the Iran-Iran war closing the Strait of Hormuz.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act of 1928, known as the Jones Act, to boost U.S. shipbuilding. In 1975 the Department of Transportation temporarily waived the act, allowing foreign-flagged tankers to supply Gulf Coast refineries, a precedent later cited in subsequent short-term suspensions. These episodes show how the Jones Act’s restrictions can be lifted to address fuel-supply emergencies.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump extended the Jones Act waiver for 90 days, effective May 18, 2026.
The waiver lets over 40 foreign-flagged tankers move 9 million barrels, boosting domestic transport capacity by about 70 %.
White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers said the waiver accelerated supply deliveries while the administration released 172 million barrels, gasoline averaged $4.059 per gallon and Brent hovered near $105 amid the Iran-Iran war closing the Strait of Hormuz.

1 / 2