Ralph Norman

President Donald Trump's proposal to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax is "a great thing" and "couldn't come at a better time," Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., told Newsmax on Tuesday.

Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America Early," Norman backed Trump's call to pause the federal gas tax as Americans continue facing higher fuel costs tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

"I think, first of all, it is realistic," Norman said. "It's a great thing the president's doing."

Trump has proposed suspending the federal gas tax — currently 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel fuel — as a way to provide immediate relief to consumers and businesses facing rising transportation and energy costs.

Norman argued the temporary tax holiday would help working Americans already strained by inflation and global instability.

"It couldn't come at a better time," he said. "People understand we have a war that we're paying for. And the gas is up. It will come down as soon as the war is over with. And I think now the American people need relief."

The South Carolina congressman noted that nearly every American would benefit from lower fuel prices.

"Everybody uses gas all across this country," Norman said. "So the timing is right on it."

Economists and lawmakers have debated the effectiveness of federal gas tax holidays, with critics arguing oil companies sometimes absorb part of the savings.

Supporters, however, say even modest reductions at the pump can help families struggling with high grocery, utility, and transportation costs.

The federal gas tax helps fund highway and infrastructure projects through the Highway Trust Fund. According to congressional estimates, suspending the tax for several months could cost roughly $20 billion to $23 billion in federal revenue.

Norman also discussed ongoing redistricting battles across several states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

He argued Republican-led efforts in South Carolina and elsewhere are aimed at correcting years of Democrat-backed gerrymandering.

"What it means is giving the voters in a district that has been gerrymandered for so long" a fairer voice, Norman said.

Norman expressed skepticism that South Carolina lawmakers would complete new congressional maps before the legislative session ends this week, meaning a special session likely would be necessary.

"You'll hear a lot of rhetoric, a lot of talk," Norman said. "But at the end of the day, I don't think they'll end up doing it."

The congressman also praised recent Supreme Court actions involving redistricting disputes in Alabama and Louisiana, saying states should move toward "fairly drawn" congressional districts ahead of the November elections.

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