Trump’s worse-than-useless Russian diesel deal
Rising gas and diesel prices are a major reason Republicans risk losing the House and possibly the Senate in November, but President Donald Trump’s energy deal with Russia will not fix that. It is too tiny and comes too late to change anyone’s mind about the economy. Worse, it provides much-needed economic relief to a Russian war machine that continues its unrelenting attacks on Ukraine.
TL;DR
- Gas and diesel prices have significantly increased, impacting consumers and industries.
- A recent Reuters poll shows 64% of voters feel rising gas prices have affected their finances, with 75% blaming the Trump administration.
- Trump's energy deal with Russia aims to supply diesel but is backloaded, with most deliveries scheduled after the elections.
- The quantities involved in the deal are small compared to Russia's existing exports and global consumption.
- An announced "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine has not been confirmed by Russia, and attacks on Ukraine continue.
- The diesel deal undermines efforts to weaken Russia by cutting off revenue from oil purchases.
- The deal provides financial relief to Russia's war efforts while offering little benefit to American consumers.