President Donald Trump is moving to keep energy supplies flowing as global oil markets tighten.
The White House confirmed Wednesday that Trump has issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, temporarily lifting restrictions that require goods shipped between U.S. ports to travel on American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed vessels.
The move is designed to ease short-term supply disruptions as the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran continues to ripple through global energy markets.
“President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, adding that the action will help oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal “flow freely to U.S. ports.”
President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury.
This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural… https://t.co/q6xu36exzy
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 18, 2026
The conflict has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global oil supply typically passes. Disruptions in the narrow passage have helped push crude prices above $100 per barrel.
The Jones Act has long been a flashpoint in U.S. economic policy.
Supporters argue it strengthens national security, protects domestic shipbuilding, and ensures a reliable U.S. maritime workforce. Critics counter that the law, dating back to 1920, raises shipping costs and limits flexibility during emergencies.
Waivers are not unprecedented.
Past administrations have temporarily suspended the law in response to crises, including after Hurricane Katrina and during the 2017 hurricane season following Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
But the current situation carries a geopolitical edge.
Despite rising oil prices and U.S. pressure, several allies have so far declined to join expanded military efforts to secure the Persian Gulf shipping lanes.
Trump signaled frustration Wednesday, suggesting those nations may need to shoulder more responsibility.
“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it… be responsible for the so-called ‘Straight?’” Trump wrote, calling out what he described as “non-responsive” allies.
More over at The Washington Examiner:
BREAKING: President Donald Trump has waived the Jones Act, a law mandating that goods shipped between United States ports be carried only by American-built ships, in an effort to place downward pressure on elevated oil prices.https://t.co/xVEVi4T7I8
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 18, 2026
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