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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the decision in a public statement, emphasizing the administration’s focus on mitigating disruptions caused by the unfolding crisis.
“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,” Leavitt said in a statement on X. “This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains.”
The timing of the move is no coincidence. The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a narrow passage responsible for transporting roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil—has effectively been shut down amid rising hostilities involving Iran. The regime’s threats toward commercial vessels have sent shockwaves through global markets, driving oil prices past the $100-per-barrel mark.
Despite the growing crisis, the United States has reportedly struggled to rally key allies to join efforts aimed at reopening and securing the waterway. That reluctance has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who did not hold back in a post on Truth Social.
“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Straight?’ (sic) That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!” Trump wrote.
The comments underscore increasing frustration within Trump’s orbit over what is being viewed as a lack of international cooperation at a critical moment for global energy security.
Back at home, the debate over the Jones Act has once again been thrust into the spotlight. Supporters argue the law is a cornerstone of national defense, ensuring that the United States maintains a strong domestic shipping industry and a reliable fleet that can be called upon during times of crisis.
Critics, however, contend the law has long outlived its usefulness. They argue it artificially inflates transportation costs and limits the nation’s ability to respond quickly when emergencies disrupt supply chains—precisely the kind of situation now unfolding.
This is far from the first time the federal government has temporarily lifted the restriction. Previous administrations have granted similar waivers during national emergencies, including in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina and later during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, when rapid movement of fuel and supplies became essential.
With the clock now ticking on the 60-day waiver, all eyes are on whether the measure will be enough to blunt the immediate impact of the crisis—and whether America’s allies will step up before the situation worsens further.
