Seven Senators Challenge Trump’s Russian Diesel Import Deal as Illegal

The senators cite a 2022 prohibition on Russian energy imports and demand the deal be reversed.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:46:49 GMT

A bipartisan coalition of seven US senators on Sunday called for President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to allow Russian diesel imports, arguing the arrangement breaches a 2022 law that bars Russian energy shipments.

What happened

President Trump announced on October 9 that Russia would supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and a further 1 million tons thereafter, with a potential additional 3 million‑ton shipment later. The Treasury Department subsequently authorized imports through April 2027. In response, the seven‑senator group issued a joint statement on October 12 demanding a reversal of the decision.

What the reports add

According to American Greatness, the senators reference a 2022 statute enacted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that prohibits the import of Russian energy products. The statement says the administration failed to consult Congress or provide a statutory justification. The group includes Republican Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and John Curtis, and Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden.

Another American Greatness piece details the terms of the diesel agreement, quoting Trump’s Truth Social post that the deal was struck during a 90‑minute phone call with President Vladimir Putin. It also notes that retail diesel prices in the United States rose to $6.32 per gallon in early October, a 71.7 % increase from the previous year.

What was said

The senators’ statement said, “President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law,” and added that the administration “has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute.”

President Trump, in his Truth Social post, claimed the deal would help lower fuel costs for Americans ahead of the November midterm elections.

How it came about

The diesel deal follows a series of energy‑related moves by the Trump administration, including a threatened export ban that prompted the G7 to pledge the release of 100 million barrels of diesel on October 3 (Felo coverage). Earlier on October 9, Felo reported Trump’s initial announcement of the Russian diesel agreement (Felo coverage). The bipartisan senators’ objection builds on prior scrutiny of the deal’s legality, such as Senator Thom Tillis’s warning on October 11 that the agreement could breach congressional sanctions law (Felo coverage).

Key facts

Seven senators from both parties issued a joint statement demanding reversal of the Russian diesel import deal. (amgreatness.com)
The senators cite a 2022 law that prohibits Russian energy imports. (amgreatness.com)
President Trump announced the deal on October 9, promising over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately and larger shipments later. (amgreatness.com)
Retail diesel prices in the US reached $6.32 per gallon in early October 2026. (amgreatness.com)

Timeline

2026-10-03 — G7 pledges release of up to 100 million barrels of diesel after Trump threatens export ban.
2026-10-09 — Trump announces Russian diesel supply deal on Truth Social.
2026-10-11 — Senator Thom Tillis questions legality of the diesel deal.
2026-10-12 — Seven‑senator bipartisan group issues statement demanding reversal.