10 October 2026
Jen Psaki reports on Donald Trump giving Russian President Vladimir Putin another big boost by dropping sanctions to allow Russia to move more diesel fuel to market and suggested the U.S. would be among the buyers.
Trump even thanked Putin even though the diesel release is not expected to be enough to change global diesel prices, but will yield billions for Russia to spend on its war against ostensible U.S. ally, Ukraine. Brett McGurk, former White House coordinator for the Middle East, joins to discuss.
👏 US Congress prepares to challenge Trump's diesel deal with Putin: Lawmakers want to block purchases of Russian fuel
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick says he has secured the support of at least 218 lawmakers — enough to initiate a procedure that would allow the bill to be brought to the House floor, bypassing the relevant committee and House leadership.
The initiative is aimed at reversing the easing of restrictions on Russian fuel purchases following Trump's deal with Putin.
And opposition is coming from both parties — Republicans and Democrats alike.
The White House's decision effectively contradicts Congress's own efforts to tighten sanctions pressure on Russia.
Of course, securing support for the procedure does not mean the bill will pass. But the political battle over Russian fuel in Washington is already gaining momentum.
