Prominent Republican senator says Trump's Russian diesel deal may be illegal
USO•Senator Thom Tillis said President Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal may be illegal and put American lives at risk. The administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it would proceed under existing legal authority.
1. Tillis questions legality
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Trump’s diesel supply deal with Russia may violate the law and put American lives at risk. Trump said Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel.
2. Republicans split
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would carry out the deal using existing legal authority and argued it would lower prices. Senator John Barrasso defended Trump’s focus on reducing costs, while Representative Don Bacon and former Vice President Mike Pence criticized the move.
3. Fuel price concerns
Diesel prices are near record highs, and analysts have said the agreement is unlikely to produce sustained lower fuel prices. The article said high prices could hurt Republicans in next month’s congressional elections.
