Will Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal Lower Prices?

October 12, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

President Trump is facing bipartisan backlash on Capitol Hill after announcing a deal to allow Russian diesel into the U.S., a move intended to lower fuel prices ahead of the midterms. But the policy is widely seen as unlikely to meaningfully affect prices at the pump, and it comes as the president’s relationship with Ukraine hits a new low. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have struck Saudi Arabia’s capital in the deadliest attacks on a U.S. ally since the start of the Iran war, raising questions about whether the U.S. will join the fight. And a new cohort of small-dollar, first-time donors is quietly reshaping the financial landscape of the progressive left.

Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal: Politics Over Policy?

President Trump’s decision to allow Russia to export oil to the U.S. has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties. The move, announced Friday, is part of a broader effort to ease energy prices before the midterms and to position Trump as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine war. But critics argue it violates the 2022 sanctions law that bans Russian energy imports unless Russia ends its invasion of Ukraine. A bipartisan group of senators issued a statement Sunday calling the export deal illegal.

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What you'll learn

1 (01:09) **Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over Russian Diesel Deal** - President Trump is criticized for allowing Russian oil exports to the U.S. to ease energy prices ahead of the midterms.
2 (03:41) **Trump's Claimed Energy Ceasefire Rejected by Russia** - The president said Ukraine and Russia agreed to stop attacking energy facilities, but Moscow has not agreed and continues bombing Ukrainian power stations.
3 (04:55) **Russian Diesel Deal Unlikely to Lower U.S. Prices** - Energy expert Andy Critchlow explains the deal's minimal impact on fuel prices due to logistical challenges and small volumes.
4 (07:37) **Houthis Attack Riyadh Airport for Second Day** - Yemen's Houthi rebels strike Saudi Arabia's main international airport, killing one person and escalating their campaign.
5 (08:54) **Riyadh Under Siege: Capital Becomes a Battle Zone** - The Houthis have brought the fight directly to the center of Saudi society, disrupting daily life and major conferences.
6 (09:34) **U.S. May Join Saudi Strikes, but Impact Questionable** - President Trump said the U.S. might join Saudi strikes against the Houthis, but past military action has not forced the Houthis to de-escalate.
7 (11:04) **India Locks Down New Delhi to Thwart Voter Rights Protests** - The Indian government detains thousands to stop protests against a voter list cleanup that activists say strips 130 million people of their voting rights.

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Show Notes

A.M. Edition for Oct. 12. Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are speaking out against a deal announced by President Trump to import diesel from Russia in the runup to the midterms. Dow Jones Energy’s Andy Critchlow explains what it means for prices at the pump. Plus, Yemen’s Houthis strike at the heart of Saudi society. WSJ Middle East editor Andrew Dowell considers whether a pair of weekend attacks that left hundreds injured at Riyadh’s international airport could draw the U.S. into the fight. And we’ll look at a cohort of practically unknown political donors boosting the "New Left" ahead of November. Luke Vargas hosts.

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