Full Breakdown
Collins Opposes Trump’s Russian Diesel Deal as Maine Senate Race Tightens
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Senate Candidate Collins Rejects Russian Diesel Imports
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) joined six other senators in a letter urging the administration to “immediately reverse course” on President Donald Trump’s proposal to import Russian diesel. The plan, announced on Truth Social, called for Russia to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, an additional 500,000 tons in November, and a further 1 million tons thereafter, with a total of 4.8 million tons slated for the global market. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a license permitting the sale, delivery, offloading and importation of Russian diesel at the president’s direction.
Background & Context: Fuel Prices and Political Stakes
Maine diesel prices have risen to $6.45 per gallon, above the national average of $6.27, fueling voter concern over energy costs. Trump has framed high diesel prices as a result of global refining capacity and Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Collins’ opposition aligns with a broader effort to distance herself from Trump as she seeks a sixth Senate term in a race many analysts deem pivotal for control of the Senate.
Data & Statistics
- Diesel imports: 300,000 tons immediately, 500,000 tons in November, total 4.8 million tons globally.
- Maine diesel price: $6.45 per gallon.
- Polls: A Washington Post-Schar School poll of 800 likely voters (Sep 30–Oct 5) shows Jackson leading 50 % to 46 % over Collins. The RealClearPolitics average (Oct 9) places Jackson at 48.3 % and Collins at 47.3 %. A separate poll indicates 58 % of respondents believe Collins “supports President Trump too much.”
- LIHEAP assistance: Collins announced the early release of more than $38 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for Maine families.
Official Statements & Responses
The Treasury’s OFAC license, issued at Trump’s direction, authorized the importation of Russian diesel. Collins said she opposes the decision to lift sanctions, noting she co-sponsored the 2022 Russian sanctions law that bans energy imports to prevent financing President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the deal as a “birthday present for Putin.” Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) framed the race as a referendum on Trump, urging voters to elect a Democratic Senate.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts have questioned the feasibility and impact of the plan. Ukrainian officials and several European Union member states have also voiced opposition, citing the 2022 ban on Russian energy imports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I oppose President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on the purchase of diesel from Russia. I was a cosponsor of the Russian sanctions law, which the president recently signed but is now not following.” — Susan Collins
- “So, it's not a huge amount, and we don't expect it'll have much of an impact,” — Chris Kennedy, Statecraft Lead
- “If we as a nation want to hold Trump and his disastrous policies accountable the only way we can do that is by electing a Democratic Senate,” — Bernie Sanders
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Impact on prices: Trump claims the imports will sharply lower diesel costs, while analysts such as Kennedy argue the volume is too small to affect the market.
- Actual import volumes: The Treasury’s license permits imports, but no data have been released confirming how much Russian diesel has reached U.S. ports, leaving the scale of the program unverified.
What’s Next
Maine voters will decide the Senate seat on Nov 3, determining whether Collins’ seniority and ability to secure federal funding can outweigh voter dissatisfaction with President Trump and the Republican Party.