‘Pretty bad’: Trump slams Russian fuel ban as diesel deal is falling apart

During a press briefing at the White House, a reporter pressed Donald Trump about an oil tanker moving across the Atlantic Ocean.

The vessel was reportedly carrying Russian diesel fuel bound directly for American shores, sparking immediate questions about existing trade bans.

Trump seemed befuddled about the ban and vowed to look into it.

Trump did not know about the embargo

Congress had passed an explicit embargo on Russian fuel imports back in 2022, and former president Joe Biden signed the measure into law to tighten economic pressure on Moscow.

Trump initially appeared confused about which statute barred the delivery, asking if the reporter meant the Jones Act. The journalist quickly corrected him, explaining that lawmakers had passed a separate measure specifically designed to block Russian energy imports.

After hearing the explanation, the president voiced sharp displeasure with the ban. “Well, that probably makes it a pretty bad law. I’ll take a look at it. Sure,” Trump said, though he did not specify whether his team planned to review the legislation or take executive action.

Trouble with the diesel deal

The exchange highlighted lingering fallout from a diesel arrangement struck between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. That controversial pact aimed to soften sanctions and permit limited fuel shipments into the United States, offering drivers relief from soaring pump prices ahead of the midterm elections.

That did not help, as the Republican Party lost the majority in both houses of Congress.

According to RBC-Ukraine, tankers loaded with Russian diesel have reportedly abandoned their original destinations along the American coastline.

Ship-tracking data showed the vessels changing course mid-voyage, turning toward alternative overseas ports and leaving the future of the administration’s fuel plan deeply uncertain.

This article is made and published by Daniel Wolfram, who may have used AI in the preparation