Lawmakers Argue Trump’s Russia Diesel Deal ‘Violates’ the Law. Here’s What Legal Experts Say

Tillis was one of seven Senators who publicly urged the Administration on Sunday to “immediately reverse course” on the agreement announced Friday, arguing that it goes against the 2022 law.

“Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” read the statement co-signed by Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and John Curtis of Utah, alongside Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute,” they said.

In a letter sent to Trump on Tuesday, Tillis, Collins, and Murkowski, were joined by fellow Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, John Cornyn of Texas, and Alan Armstrong of Oklahoma alongside six Democratic Senators as they told the President the deal “is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies [and] should be rescinded.” The letter came a day after Trump publicly dismissed the criticism stemming from within his own party.