Trump defended his decision to temporarily ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel exports, citing American economic interests and accusing media of selective coverage of European energy purchases from Russia.
The president announced the six-month easing last week after drawing criticism from lawmakers across both parties. In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump claimed the European Union paid Russia 250 billion dollars for energy since 2022 and accused news outlets of ignoring that transaction while focusing on his policy. European Commission data supports estimates in that range, though the EU has launched a plan to phase out Russian energy dependence.
Trump framed the move as beneficial to Americans. "I made the right choice for the American People. ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!" he wrote, linking the policy to efforts to lower diesel prices amid voter concerns about the economy ahead of midterm elections.
Seven senators, including four Republicans, rejected that logic Sunday. "The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians," the group said in a joint statement.
Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas voiced similar concerns Friday. "While I understand the desire to bring down diesel prices, I am concerned the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil will only fund the Kremlin's war machine, emboldening more violence and destruction," he said.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that easing sanctions on Moscow "plays into Russia's hands."
Trump coordinated the plan directly with Putin, according to the announcement. However, some analysts say the policy will have minimal impact on diesel prices, undercutting the central justification Trump offered for the temporary exemption. The extent to which increased Russian diesel supply reaches U.S. markets during the six-month window remains unclear.