GOP Senators Demand Trump Reverse Russia Diesel Deal, Question Its Legality

Four Republican senators on the Foreign Relations Committee -- Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, John Curtis and Susan Collins -- joined Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden in a joint statement the Sunday after Trump announced a plan letting Russia export diesel to global markets, urging him to "immediately reverse" course. The senators said the move effectively lifts sanctions Congress imposed in 2022 banning Russian energy imports, and that the administration "failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation" as the law requires. Tillis told reporters he believed Trump "may be" breaking the law, calling the move "the exact opposite of the intent" of the statute.

Trump announced the plan amid voter anger over fuel prices -- AAA listed diesel at $6.26 a gallon, nearly $3 higher than a year earlier -- ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Zelensky called the deal "not fair and not honest." Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick plans a House vote blocking Russian oil purchases via discharge petition, with Rep. Don Bacon co-sponsoring.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would proceed "with all the legal authorities we have." No legislation blocking the deal had passed as of this writing.