ORL Condemns President Trump’s Illegal Decision to Buy Russian Diesel Fuel

Our Republican Legacy (ORL) condemns President Trump’s decision to buy Russian diesel fuel to lower domestic prices artificially in his feeble attempt to turn the outcome of the midterm elections in his favor. His reckless action not only violates U.S. law and international sanctions but also directly finances the Russian war machine attacking Ukraine in Europe and supporting Iran against our interests in the Middle East.

Every dollar used to buy Russian diesel fuel for domestic consumption helps to directly finance Russia’s economy and, consequently, its war effort in Europe and support for Iran. U.S. funds would contribute to the deaths of Ukrainians and terror attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against our bases and allied interests in the Middle East. The President’s unauthorized war against Iran is the direct cause of increased domestic prices for gasoline and diesel fuel due to the closure of free passage for commerce through the international Strait of Hormuz. The President’s head-fake towards Ukraine cannot alter that fundamental truth. 

The bipartisan Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act was passed by Congress on April 8, 2022, as a strong U.S. response to Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. It contains a prohibition on the importation to the United States of all energy products from Russia. The President can terminate this prohibition, but only under certain conditions that have not been met.

To terminate the current prohibition legally, the President must first consult with Congress and then transmit a written Presidential certification that Russia has met three conditions: cease all hostilities in Ukraine; pose no threat to any NATO nation; and recognize the right of Ukrainians to independence and freedom. None of these conditions exist today. Russia will not agree to a ceasefire, routinely threatens Europe and NATO with hybrid warfare, and does not recognize the right of Ukraine to exist.

The law also allows Congress to overturn the President’s decision through a joint Congressional resolution of disapproval.

ORL urges Congress to immediately reconvene to pass a bipartisan resolution of disapproval condemning his illegal actions and reversing his ill-advised decision to import Russian energy products to the United States.

In reality, Russian diesel fuel would have little or no impact on the rising price at the pump before the midterm elections as the President desperately hopes. Rising gas and diesel prices are a direct consequence of Trump’s war of choice in Iran, which needlessly puts U.S. Armed Forces in harm’s way and has no end in sight.