Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russian diesel deal

Washington — US President Donald Trump is facing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over his plan to import diesel from Russia and supply it to the United States and global markets. The controversy has exposed divisions within the Republican Party over easing pressure on Moscow, while the administration struggles to contain rising fuel prices amid the war with Iran.
Trump announced on Truth Social on Friday that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes thereafter.
Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana supported efforts to lower fuel prices but opposed obtaining diesel from President Vladimir Putin. He said Putin could never be America’s friend and that ending the war in Iran would bring a greater decline in diesel prices. Former congressman Mike Rogers of Michigan also opposed Russian fuel imports, saying he had earlier called for a temporary ban on fuel exports to reduce farmers’ costs during harvest season.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced a bipartisan bill, the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act, seeking to prevent Trump from lifting sanctions on Russia. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon has also backed the bill.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski urged Trump to use his available authorities rather than allow Russia to increase energy revenues. She said Russia should not be permitted to export diesel, earn revenue and continue its war in Ukraine.
Democrats criticised the deal more sharply. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called it a “deal with the devil,” alleging that it would benefit Putin, who is supporting Iranians targeting US troops in the Middle East and had launched an illegal invasion of US ally Ukraine. He described the agreement as rewarding Putin rather than punishing him.
Rising inflation and living costs ahead of November’s congressional elections have also become a political concern for the Republican Party.