Tillis Questions Legality of Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal
Sen. Thom Tillis said Sunday that President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russia to allow diesel fuel shipments may be unlawful, arguing that a legitimate legal case exists that the president is not following the law. The North Carolina Republican made the assessment during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” where moderator Kristen Welker asked him directly about potential lawbreaking tied to the Tillis Trump Russia diesel deal.
Trump's Friday Announcement on Truth Social
Trump announced the move Friday on Truth Social, stating that Russia would supply diesel fuel globally. The decision drew condemnation from Ukraine, Trump administration critics, and lawmakers in both parties. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tillis’s remarks.
A 2022 Law That Congress Has Not Changed
The legal tension stems from a 2022 measure in which the Senate unanimously passed a ban on Russian oil imports, part of a broader effort to financially punish the Kremlin after Russia invaded Ukraine. Congress has not altered that law since. Tillis suggested the diesel arrangement conflicts with the existing statute, though he did not specify the exact legal mechanism.
National Security Concerns
Tillis framed the issue in stark national security terms. He said Russia is the aggressor in the war and can end the fighting by leaving occupied territory. He warned that the diesel deal will put American lives at risk, citing Russian funding of mercenaries and ties to Iran. The senator also linked the matter to year-end congressional funding negotiations, saying he wants support for military operations and that Trump needs to understand this is a problem. Tillis added that he is not the only Republican concerned.
Massie Backs Trump's Decision
Not all Republicans agree. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who voted against the 2022 Russia sanctions bill, backed Trump’s decision in a Sunday post on X. Massie said he opposed sanctions because they would raise U.S. prices and argued that Trump came around to that reality. Massie called for lifting sanctions on all petroleum products and raw metals. He lost his re-election bid to a Trump-backed challenger.
Tillis's Broader Criticism and Political Context
Tillis, who is retiring at the end of his term, has been critical of aspects of the Trump administration. He said he voted to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but now regrets it, calling Hegseth a failed leader who should leave the Defense Department. Tillis also condemned a Pentagon plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the convicted Fort Hood shooter, saying the livestream would radicalize people and could be used by terrorist groups for recruiting. He said Hasan should be executed but the livestream method is improper and not who we are.
Democrats are targeting Tillis’s Senate seat as they seek control of the chamber, adding political weight to his break with the president on the diesel deal.
1 comment