Republican Senator Thom Tillis challenges the legality of Trump’s agreement concerning Russian diesel and warns that it could endanger lives

Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis challenged the legality of the agreement on Sunday under which Donald Trump’s administration is allowing Russian diesel to return to global markets and warned that the decision could put Americans’ lives at risk. The statements were made after Trump announced on Friday that Russia would supply diesel, while the United States temporarily suspended sanctions imposed on Russian fuel.

Tillis argues that the president could still be violating U.S. legislation on sanctions against Moscow. He warned that the agreement contradicts the policy adopted by Congress and could fuel Vladimir Putin’s war economy amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The criticism comes from both Democrats and some Republicans. Don Bacon called supporting the Russian economy morally wrong, while former Vice President Mike Pence urged Trump to reverse the decision, considering it a betrayal of Senator Lindsey Graham’s legacy.

In response, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would use all available legal authorities. He maintains that the agreement will lower prices for consumers, farmers, ranchers, and truckers. Analysts, however, doubt that the measure will produce a lasting decline in fuel prices, with U.S. congressional elections approaching.