Trump-Endorsed Cody Simpson Supports Trump's Push for Gas Tax Relief and Expanded E15 Sales
Thursday, May 14, 2026
COLUMBIA, SC – Cody Simpson, President Donald J. Trump’s endorsed candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture and former Trump Administration appointee, today voiced strong support for President Trump’s call to suspend the federal gas tax and expand year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline to provide relief for farmers, rural communities, and working families.
Simpson also called on the South Carolina General Assembly to suspend the state gas tax to further ease financial pressure on South Carolinians facing rising fuel and transportation costs.
“President Trump understands that high fuel costs hurt farmers, truckers, small businesses, and working families,” Simpson said. “I fully support President Trump’s push to suspend the federal gas tax and expand year-round E15 sales, and I believe South Carolina should follow his lead by suspending the state gas tax to provide additional relief to our people.”
A fifth-generation South Carolina farmer, Simpson previously served as South Carolina State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency after being appointed by President Trump. During his service in the Trump Administration, Simpson worked directly with farmers and producers across South Carolina and witnessed firsthand President Trump’s commitment to American agriculture and energy independence.
“I was proud to stand at the White House when President Trump announced an emergency waiver allowing immediate, nationwide E15 sales,” Simpson said. “Just as President Trump made promises to support America’s farmers, I will always fight for our South Carolina farmers, families, and future.”
Simpson further stated that expanding access to E15 and suspending fuel taxes would provide meaningful relief to South Carolina families while strengthening the agricultural economy.
“Farmers rely on fuel every single day – from planting and harvesting to transporting products across the state and country,” Simpson said. “Reducing fuel costs helps lower expenses throughout the supply chain, supports rural communities, and keeps more money in the pockets of South Carolina families.”
Simpson added that South Carolina needs leadership willing to stand alongside President Trump and fight for practical, commonsense solutions that support agriculture, energy independence, and working Americans.
“With President Trump’s endorsement and support, I’m running for Commissioner of Agriculture to advance policies that strengthen our families, businesses, and economy, as well as deliver real relief to all people of South Carolina.”
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