This claim appears to be **inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of current U.S. policy and Donald Trump’s current role.**
Here’s why:
1. **U.S. Ban on Russian Energy Imports:** The United States imposed a comprehensive ban on the import of Russian crude oil, petroleum products (including diesel), liquefied natural gas, and coal in **March 2022**, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This ban is still in effect, making it illegal for U.S. entities to import diesel from Russia.
2. **Trump’s Current Status:** Donald Trump is a private citizen and no longer holds the office of President. He does not have the authority to negotiate or implement trade deals on behalf of the U.S. government.
3. **Timing and Context:** The mention of “weeks before the US midterm elections” likely refers to the 2022 midterms. At that time, the ban on Russian energy imports was already firmly in place. There have been no credible reports or official announcements of Donald Trump, in his private capacity or as a political figure, planning or negotiating a deal to import diesel from Russia, nor would such a deal be legally permissible under current sanctions.
Therefore, any ‘plan’ for Donald Trump to import diesel from Russia is not possible under current U.S. law and his current political standing. There is no credible evidence or official announcement of such a deal being proposed or criticized by lawmakers in the present context.
