President Donald Trump said in an Oct. 9 Truth Social post that Russia would supply diesel to the U.S. and global markets in several installments. He predicted the arrangement, along with U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz, would bring diesel prices down quickly.
Some Republicans criticized the plan. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said U.S. policy toward Russia and Ukraine had failed and argued that purchases could support Russia’s war effort. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania said he would introduce bipartisan legislation to block purchases of Russian oil. Bacon said he would co-sponsor it.
A bipartisan group of senators, including Republicans Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, called on the administration to reverse course. In a statement, they cited the 2022 congressional ban on Russian energy imports and said the administration had not consulted Congress or provided the explanation they said the law requires. The senators argued that buying Russian diesel could provide financial support to Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.
Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said in a Monday television appearance that he was skeptical the agreement would lead to a significant price decline. He said the arrangement might shift existing diesel supplies between buyers rather than add new production, making its effect on prices uncertain.
The source report said Fox News Digital had contacted the White House for comment. It did not include a response.
