Donald Trump Extends Narrowed Jones Act Waiver for 90 Days

President Donald Trump extended a waiver of the Jones Act for 90 days on Monday, permitting foreign vessels to transport specific commodities between domestic ports. The extension narrows the original waiver's scope to focus on energy products, including crude oil, gasoline, jet fuel, naphtha, liquefied natural gas, soy oil, and fertilizers.

To address concerns from Congress and domestic shipbuilders, the administration implemented a case-by-case review process for individual voyages. The United States Department of Defense must now consult with the United States Maritime Administration to verify that no US-flagged and -operated vessels are available before a waiver is granted.

The administration intends for the move to stabilize fuel costs and prevent supply chain shortages resulting from crude flow disruptions caused by the war in Iran. While oil industry stakeholders support the relief, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise argue that these exemptions undercut the domestic maritime industry.