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Trump Lifts Russian Diesel Sanctions, Critics Call It Disgraceful

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 11:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Lifts Diesel Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel imports in October 2026.
Trump signed the Lindsey Graham-named law last month, originally intended to pressure Russia.
Rep. Don Bacon called the diesel deal ‘absolutely disgraceful’, warning Congress of lost leverage.
President Vladimir Putin praised the deal, saying Russia could increase fertilizer exports to the United States.

Summary

Trump Approval Drops

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 36% in the New York Times poll, with 59% disapproving.
The CNN/SSRS poll showed only 32% approval, 7 points lower than the pre-2018 midterm reading.
Both surveys were released Wednesday, less than two weeks before Election Day, limiting Republican recovery time.
Among white voters without a college degree, 48% approve versus 46% disapprove in the Times survey.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014, the United States and European Union imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia following its annexation of Crimea, crippling key energy sectors. The sanctions significant targeted 30 Russian banks, froze $1.5 billion in assets, and barred diesel exports, prompting Moscow to seek alternative markets. Trump’s 2026 repeal of the diesel ban mirrors the 2014 embargo, as Vladimir Putin lauds renewed trade while critics like Don Bacon decry lost leverage. The episode illustrates how sanction reversals can depress presidential approval—Donald Trump’s poll numbers fell to 36%—and revive geopolitical bargaining power for Russia.

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Trump Lifts Diesel Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel imports in October 2026.
Trump signed the Lindsey Graham-named law last month, originally intended to pressure Russia.
Rep. Don Bacon called the diesel deal ‘absolutely disgraceful’, warning Congress of lost leverage.
President Vladimir Putin praised the deal, saying Russia could increase fertilizer exports to the United States.

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