The Trump administration announced on Monday that it is issuing a 90-day waiver of the Jones Act, a century-old maritime law that mandates that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports must be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed. This policy shift is part of a broader effort by the administration to stabilize and reduce gasoline and fuel prices across the country.

By waiving these requirements, the administration aims to allow foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel and energy products between domestic ports, which officials argue will increase supply chain efficiency and lower costs for consumers. The waiver includes specific limits on its application, though the administration has not yet detailed the full scope of these restrictions. The Jones Act has long been a subject of debate, with supporters arguing it protects the U.S. maritime industry and national security, while critics contend it increases shipping costs and limits competition in the domestic energy market. The administration’s decision follows previous instances where similar waivers were utilized to address supply chain disruptions and energy price volatility.