Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver For Another 90 Days To Address Soaring Energy Costs

President Donald Trump extended the waiver of the Jones Act for another 90 days to address soaring energy costs.

The act in question requires goods transported between U.S. ports to be carried on American-built and -crewed vessels.

Such waivers have historically been deployed during emergencies, including hurricanes and major disruptions to infrastructure, when fuel distribution systems face sudden strain.

The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, has long drawn opposing views from different sectors of the economy. Supporters argue it plays a critical role in maintaining national security and supporting U.S. maritime jobs, while critics contend it raises shipping costs and restricts flexibility during times of need.

Regional mismatches between refining capacity and fuel demand can exacerbate logistical challenges, with oil or gasoline often needing to move long distances between production hubs and consumption centers. Allowing foreign-flagged vessels to assist in domestic transport could help ease those bottlenecks, particularly if supply disruptions intensify.

Industry voices have pushed for proactive action, warning that shipping limitations could become more pronounced if demand rises or infrastructure issues occur, concerns highlighted in reporting by Reuters. The outlet also noted that previous waivers were granted in response to major storms that disrupted Gulf Coast refining and shipping networks.

At the same time, maritime organizations and labor unions have voiced strong opposition, arguing that loosening the law even temporarily could harm American shipping jobs and weaken the domestic fleet. They maintain that repeated exemptions risk undermining the long-term stability of the industry.

The push to address high energy costs comes as a new poll shows that a majority of Americans blame President Donald Trump for the recent rise in gasoline prices.

The survey, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, found that respondents linked higher fuel costs to federal policy decisions as well as broader economic conditions. It showed that gasoline prices remain one of the most closely watched indicators of inflation in the U.S. given their direct impact on everyday expenses such as commuting, travel and household budgets.

Concretely, 77% of registered voters said Trump has at least a fair amount of responsibility for the rise in gas prices, which have jumped after the war in Iran began. The figure includes 55% of Republicans and 82% of independents. Almost all respondents who identified as Democrats (95%) said Trump is to blame for it.

Elsewhere, 77% of respondents said they see current fuel prices as a very big concern. “Trump has made affordability and bringing down prices a cornerstone of the Make America Great Again movement, ​and with costs going up in the country, that is a hard circle to square, messaging wise,” Erin Maguire, a Republican strategist, told Reuters.