Trump's Energy Chief Defends Controversial Diesel Export Deal with Russia

During a prime-one outlet's interview, Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the recent executive order that waives new sanctions on Russian diesel exports, saying the move has been misread and will help bring down U.S. gasoline and diesel costs. Wright stressed that the United States continues to aid Ukraine with infrastructure repairs and LNG deliveries, and that the agreement is intended as a carrot to pressure Moscow to alter its behavior.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the deal as a historic mistake and a tragedy, warning that U.S. support for Russia would jeopardize the war effort. Wright also linked the timing of the policy to broader concerns about Iran, asserting the administration is not focused on elections. The deal follows a congressional bill championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and comes weeks before a midterm vote on related energy measures.