Trump defends Russian diesel fuel deal amid bipartisan criticism

Time now, 7:10, President Trump defending his decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel, despite growing backlash from both sides of the aisle. The president says the move will help lower energy prices for Americans, but as we get to Alex Hogan in D.C., critics are warning it could help fund Russia's war in Ukraine. Hi, that's Ray Thomas and Alex. So, President Trump's new diesel deal with Russia, as you mentioned, it's creating that divide within the Republican Party. Of course, this comes just three weeks before the midterm elections. Today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Kyiv has not hit energy facilities in Russia since President Trump announced that energy truce, but Russia has. President Trump defending his decision. The president not backing down on his deal to allow Russian diesel into American markets despite growing backlash from both sides of the aisle. We told them, do whatever you want, but don't hit the diesel fuel, cuz there's a big problem, big shortage. The White House says the deal could bring relief to Americans paying more at the pump, some republicans say the president is giving Vladimir Putin a financial lifeline seven senators including four republicans are now calling on the administration to reverse course arguing the agreement violates a law banning russian energy imports and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing back as russia continues targeting ukraine's energy infrastructure he attacked our energy infrastructure and the communication from russia was very clear that they don't know And while Zelensky questions Moscow's commitment to peace, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is raising doubts about whether the diesel deal will deliver quick relief to Americans. I doubt that in the next three or four weeks this will actually change energy prices. We ought to be doing everything we can for America to make sure that this war ends quickly. And giving Vladimir Putin more money is akin to underwriting the Iranians as well. More money, more terror, more horrors. That's the pattern for these evildoers like Vladimir Putin and the Ayatollah. And the president could soon face another challenge on Capitol Hill. So Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is pushing bipartisan legislation to block Russian oil purchases and plans to force a vote in the House. Thomas, Alex. Lowering the price, but at what cost? All right, more to come on this one. Alex, thank you. It is 7-12.