Backlash over Trump-Putin ‘Diesel Deal’ ... Democrats blast it as a ‘deal with the devil’

[Financial News] President Donald Trump’s so-called ‘diesel deal’ with Russian President Vladimir Putin, struck as a way to tackle high oil prices ahead of the midterm elections, has sparked a direct clash in U.S. politics. Democrats, the opposition party, have unleashed a barrage of criticism, calling it an act of enabling the invasion of Ukraine and funding Russia’s war, while the White House is pushing back, calling it the best measure to stabilize prices at home.
On the 10th (local time), according to The Hill, a U.S. publication specializing in congressional news, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer of New York posted on X (formerly Twitter) immediately after Trump’s announcement the previous day: “Trump is making a deal with the devil to save his imperiled political future.”
Schumer added: “This dirty deal only helps Iran kill U.S. troops in the Middle East and helps and abets Putin, who illegally and brutally invaded our ally Ukraine.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who serves on the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services committees, also called for the diesel deal to be scrapped immediately, saying: “This brazen attempt to ease the turmoil caused by the illegal war against Iran will only benefit the Chinese and Russian economies and lead to the slaughter of more innocent people in Ukraine.”
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said: “After oil prices skyrocketed because of Trump’s war with Iran, the president is now considering funding Russia’s slaughter of Ukrainian civilians.” He added: “Lifting sanctions on Russia will embolden Putin’s war machine and only prolong the conflict in Ukraine.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania also wrote on X: “Desperate to escape the cost of his failed war with Iran, Trump is preparing to stab Ukraine in the back and buy Putin’s diesel.” She criticized him, saying: “He is funding Russia’s war machine while our allies pay the price.”
Conservative commentator Katie Zakaria, selected as the new White House press secretary, appeared on Fox News that day and defended President Trump’s decision.
Zakaria, who is set to officially begin her duties as press secretary on the 12th, said: “President Trump knows that people are unhappy with oil prices and with rising grocery prices, and, as he always has, he is offering solutions. There is some dissatisfaction, but President Trump has never been ambiguous.”
She went on to stress: “With this agreement, he is putting America’s interests first and Americans first, and this diesel deal will mean we get to enjoy cheaper gasoline and groceries.”
[email protected] Kim Dong-gyu Reporter