Prominent Republican senator says Trump's Russian diesel deal may be illegal
SPY•Republican Senator Thom Tillis said President Donald Trump’s deal for Russia to supply diesel to global markets may be illegal and put American lives at risk. Trump said the arrangement would lower fuel costs, and his administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel.
1. Tillis questions legality
Tillis said there was “a legitimate case” that Trump was not following the law. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would carry out the deal using existing legal authority and argued it would bring prices down.
2. Criticism and defense
Republican Senator John Barrasso defended the deal, saying Trump was focused on lowering costs for consumers, ranchers, farmers and truckers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the deal opposed efforts by Ukraine, Canada and allies to create peace and stability in Europe. Former Vice President Mike Pence called the sanctions decision a “betrayal” of former Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy.
3. Ceasefire claim questioned
Trump also said Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an immediate “energy ceasefire,” without elaborating. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was waiting for details and that Russia also needed to support the ceasefire; Moscow had not commented.
