Donald Trump faces bipartisan criticism over Russian diesel deal in Washington
President Donald Trump sparked bipartisan rebukes in Washington after announcing an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lawmakers argue the arrangement fuels military operations against Ukraine and breaches federal statutes passed by Congress. Trump announced last week that he struck a deal to import tons of Russian diesel.
The president stated the move aims to ease fuel prices for drivers before midterm elections. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the decision as drawing the nation closer to Russia. A new AP-NORC poll finds most Americans think Trump unethically profits off his office.
The survey reported many citizens believe the president focuses more on personal wealth than helping everyday people. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor addressed the fallout in an interview on Monday.
The harm to the Ukrainians is real. And the cost to us, the United States, is high.
Congress approved legislation in the spring of 2022 banning the import of Russian energy products. The bill passed the House 414-17 and cleared the Senate before President Joe Biden signed it. The law permits lifting the ban only after Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine. That measure also requires approval from Ukraine and congressional review.
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the primary sponsor of the law, released a statement on Monday. “Trump is directly violating that law,” Doggett said.
Congress also passed a sanctions measure named after the late GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham. That measure targets nations importing Russian oil with tariffs. Trump signed that sanctions bill into law last month.
Campaign Travel and Capitol Hill Developments
Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News he plans to run again for House Republican leader. He stated he intends to lead the caucus regardless of midterm results. Johnson quipped to Fox News last week that he might start a lawn care company in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Trump travels to Wasilla, Alaska on Tuesday to campaign for incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. The visit comes before scheduled rallies in Arizona and Montana on Wednesday. Election Day is set for Nov. 3.
A Monday rally in Ohio included a scuffle after an attendee wore a protest shirt. Video showed other attendees grabbing the person before security removed the protester. Trump called rally disruptors scum. Youngstown police and the Mahoning County sheriff’s office received inquiries seeking more information.
New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia officially started her role on Monday. She scheduled her first press briefing for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Zacharia succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August.
False online claims recently targeted Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. Conservative posts alleged Talarico suffered a mental crisis at an Ohio facility. The facility confirmed he was never a patient there. His campaign stated the candidate was recovering at home from the flu.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes halted tree-cutting on Monday at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington. Reyes issued the 24-hour order following a three-hour hearing. The judge criticized the government for deceptive holiday weekend activity during renovation disputes.
Federal district courts handle civil lawsuits and issue temporary restraining orders to pause disputed actions. These initial orders preserve site conditions while judges review statutory compliance. Parties then submit formal filings before a judge rules on long-term injunctions.
Trump continues national travel while Washington officials review the energy deal.
