Trump’s diesel deal with Putin causes GOP heartburn before vote

U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday. | AFP-JIJI

Oct 13, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump’s deal with Moscow on its diesel exports and his praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin are just the latest in a string of Russia-related news that have sparked public criticisms from Republicans weeks ahead of a midterm election that increasingly favors Democrats.

Trump has said he is working with Putin to release the country’s diesel supplies into global markets, upending years of sanctions in a bid to ease fuel prices before the Nov. 3 elections. The move has prompted European officials to warn that increasing Russia’s diesel sales will boost Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

The U.S. president’s moves amount to an unwanted October surprise for some Republicans in tough races as their party struggles to maintain their slim majorities in the House and Senate.

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