Hinson Breaks With Trump on Russia Diesel Deal as Bipartisan Opposition Mounts

The US Treasury issued a general license on October 9, 2026, allowing the import of Russian diesel until April 7, 2027, despite existing sanctions. The agreement has faced significant backlash, including a letter from a bipartisan group of 12 senators urging President Trump to rescind the deal. Congress passed legislation in 2026 directing the president to impose significant tariffs on the top importers of Russian oil to target institutions fueling the war in Ukraine. This legislative action followed a period of strained relations between the US and Ukraine.

In February 2025, President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in the Oval Office. That encounter resulted in a suspension of weapons deliveries and intelligence-sharing agreements.

The European Union previously implemented a ban on imports of Russian crude oil and refined products. President Trump issued an executive order that allowed truckers to use tax-exempt off-road diesel on the highway. The order deferred the tax obligation rather than eliminating it. These events frame the current debate over the administration's decision to import Russian fuel.

1. Goldman Sachs estimated the deal would only reduce wholesale diesel prices by $1 to $2 per barrel on the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Europe, according to estimates from Goldman Sachs. This intervention seeks to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs, as U.S. diesel prices averaged $6.28 a gallon on October 13, 2026, a 72% increase from the same period in 2025.

2. President Trump described the agreement as an "energy ceasefire" to halt energy strikes. The Kremlin confirmed on October 10, 2026, that it was partially lifting its export ban. This action facilitates the delivery of volumes under the agreement with the US.

3. The diesel deal totals 4.8 million metric tons, which equals 35.76 million barrels. This volume meets 10 days of US domestic demand or slightly more than one day of global demand.

4. The Kremlin said it was partially lifting its export ban to deliver the volumes under the deal, according to state news agency Tass, and U.S. diesel averaged $6.28 a gallon, up 72% year on year.

1. Iowa Senate candidate Ashley Hinson stated on October 13, 2026, that she disagrees with President Trump's deal to import 300,000 tons of Russian diesel. She proposed lowering the gas tax, creating a diesel rebate program, and investing in biofuels as alternatives to the deal with Russia.

2. A bipartisan group of six Democratic and six Republican senators sent a letter to President Trump on October 13, 2026, urging him to rescind the diesel deal with Russia. The senators who signed the letter include Richard Blumenthal, Chris Coons, Dick Durbin, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse, Alan Armstrong, Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Thom Tillis.

3. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the diesel deal as a weak decision by strong partners. US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly threatened to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine during talks in Miami. They cited Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries as the reason for the potential suspension.

4. Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan bill named after Ronald Reagan that would block purchases of Russian oil. This legislative effort aims to counter the administration's policy by codifying a ban on Russian energy imports.