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Several US Democratic lawmakers have sharply criticized President Donald Trump's agreement to purchase hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel from Russia, under which sanctions were temporarily suspended. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the president of "making a deal with the devil" to strengthen his political standing, arguing that the arrangement would benefit only Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Senator Richard Blumenthal called the temporary suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel "a shameful decision" and claimed it made the United States complicit in Moscow's war against Ukraine. He urged Trump to cancel the deal immediately. Senator Dick Durbin argued the agreement would prolong the fighting in Ukraine, while Senator Ron Wyden said it would deliver economic gains to Russia without lowering fuel prices for Americans.

House members also weighed in. Don Beyer called the decision "outrageous," saying he does not trust Trump "one bit" when it comes to Russia, and Madeleine Dean argued the deal would help finance Russia's war.

Trump had announced the diesel purchase as a way to bring down global fuel prices. Record-high US diesel costs had increased pressure on Republicans ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress.

Key Takeaways

• Chuck Schumer accused Trump of "making a deal with the devil" to boost his own political position.
• Richard Blumenthal called the sanctions suspension shameful and demanded the agreement be scrapped.
• Trump said the diesel purchase aims to lower global fuel prices ahead of November 3 midterm elections.