WASHINGTON
Senate Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire on Wednesday challenged President Trump's claimed deal to import Russian diesel, calling it illegal and questioning whether Russia can even deliver.
Shaheen, visiting southeastern Europe on a congressional delegation, said Congress passed a 2022 law that explicitly bars Russian energy imports and requires the administration to consult with Congress and meet specific conditions before lifting any prohibitions. "The current administration has not met these requirements," Shaheen said.
She also cast doubt on Russia's capacity to supply diesel, noting that recent strikes against Russian energy infrastructure have left long lines of vehicles queuing for fuel inside Russia.
Shaheen characterized Trump's move as a bid to deflect blame for surging energy prices onto the war in Iran, which Trump launched after taking office. She accused the president of being manipulated by Vladimir Putin and said his administration has shown no willingness to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict.
Trump previously blamed Ukraine for striking Russian energy facilities and contributing to higher diesel prices. Shaheen rejected that argument, saying Ukraine is defending itself against Russian attacks that kill hundreds of civilians weekly and threaten Ukraine's path toward democracy and closer ties to the West.
"The president is looking for a scapegoat because Americans are angry," Shaheen said. She pointed to Trump's 2024 campaign pledge to end "never-ending wars" as he wages the Iran conflict. Costs have climbed across the economy, she said: gas, diesel, groceries, rents and mortgages.
