US Democrats prepare investigation into Trump's Russian diesel deal
Democrats in the US Congress are demanding that major banks and ports preserve records of Russian diesel transactions, ahead of a possible probe into Donald Trump's arrangements with Moscow. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also signed the letter.
Democratic members of the US Congress are demanding that six major banks and the port authorities of two states preserve documents tied to Russian diesel transactions. The move prepares the ground for a possible investigation into President Donald Trump's arrangements with Moscow, Axios reported. It matters because the lawmakers question whether such imports are legal and warn they could help finance Russia's war against Ukraine.
What the letter asks for
The letter, dated 24 October, went to six large banks, including JPMorgan, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, and to the port authorities of Texas and New York. The lawmakers want contracts, shipping documents, vessel records and correspondence with suppliers, intermediaries and US officials to be kept. They expect confirmation by Wednesday, 28 October.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen is leading the initiative. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also signed the letter.
Opposing views and background
The US Treasury Department regards the arrangements as legal, while the White House has accused Democrats of focusing on investigations into Trump.
In October, Trump suspended enforcement of some sanctions and tariffs against Russia that conflicted with his plans to bring Russian diesel to global markets. On 26 October, Reuters reported that Russian refineries had begun raising diesel output after receiving export quotas.
An investigation would become a Democratic priority if the party regains control of one or both chambers of Congress after the 3 November elections.
