TRUMP’S PUTIN DEAL BECOMES A TEST OF AMERICA’S CHECKS AND BALANCES
A bipartisan group of American lawmakers has introduced legislation intended to stop Donald Trump’s controversial agreement to purchase diesel from Russia.
The “Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act,” introduced by Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks with 17 House co-sponsors, would prohibit American development financing for Russia’s energy sector, cancel Treasury licenses enabling Russian energy transactions, prevent similar licenses from being issued and require sanctions against Russian energy companies.
Meeks argues that the deal will do little to reduce fuel costs for Americans while transferring millions of dollars to Vladimir Putin’s government—money Russia can use to continue bombing Ukraine.
The proposal is not yet law. It must pass both the House and Senate before reaching Trump’s desk, where it could face a presidential veto. Overriding that veto would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
That makes this a genuine test of America’s constitutional checks and balances.
Trump used executive authority to bypass the apparent intent of Congress, open the door to Russian diesel and waive sanctions lawmakers had approved to pressure Moscow. Congress must now decide whether it will defend its own legislation and authority—or allow the president to dismantle them through executive waivers.
This question extends far beyond one diesel agreement. Can a president neutralize bipartisan legislation, redirect American policy toward an adversary and ignore Congress without facing an effective institutional response?
Trump opened the door for Putin. America’s elected representatives must now decide whether they have the will—and the votes—to close it.