Axios: Trump’s diesel deal poses Putin problem

Trump’s diesel deal poses Putin problem
 
Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Suzanne Plunkett/Getty Images

Republicans already saddled with Trump’s unpopular policies in the midterms now face another awkward choice: whether to back his diesel deal with a dictator many of them despise, Axios’ Andrew Pantazi reports.

The big picture: The deal — which calls for Russia to supply diesel to U.S. and global markets — packs some of the GOP’s biggest liabilities into one decision: the Iran war’s economic fallout, the party’s split over Russia, and a president determined to make the election about himself.

Energy analysts also doubt it will do much for diesel prices, which average $6.27 a gallon today, up 71% from a year earlier

.😡 Several Republican lawmakers criticized the deal over the weekend.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that it may violate a law requiring the White House to notify Congress before lifting sanctions.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) vowed to force a House vote blocking the oil purchases.

Yes, but: Some Republicans, like Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, backed the arrangement.

The White House pushed back on criticism of Trump’s record. White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Axios: “President Trump has consistently proven his doubters wrong.”

A senior administration official said Trump is “laser-focused on bringing down costs, whether it’s diesel with the Russians or importing Argentine beef. Some people might not like it, but he’s thinking of what Americans are paying and what he can do about it.”

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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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