Four GOP Senators Oppose Trump Plan to Allow Russian Diesel Exports

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Four Republican senators have blasted Donald Trump’s plans to allow Russia to export diesel in an effort to ease the global oil crisis.

In a joint statement, GOP Sens.

Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, John Curtis of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine urged the 80-year-old president to “immediately reverse” the plan, which would effectively lift sanctions imposed on Russia after it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

With voter backlash over soaring gas and diesel prices potentially threatening Republicans in the Nov.

3 midterm elections, Trump announced that Russia would be allowed to export diesel to global markets, easing sanctions intended to restrict funding for the Kremlin’s war effort.

The Republican senators, who serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump’s plan directly contradicted U.S. sanctions against Russia and questioned whether it was even legal.

“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine.

Congress was clear: the U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies,” the statement said.

“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law.

The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute,” it added.

“The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians.” Two Democrats, Sens.

Ron Wyden of Oregon and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, also joined the Republicans in condemning the Russian diesel plan.

Trump has faced bipartisan criticism for making a deal that could significantly benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin as he seeks to prevent an electoral wipeout for Republicans in the midterms.

Retiring Republican Rep.