'Good for Americans': US treasury secretary defends Russia diesel deal, cites 'legal authority'

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday defended the Trump administration's diesel supply deal with Russia, saying Washington would move ahead with the agreement using its existing legal authority.

Speaking to Fox News, Bessent said the deal, announced by President Donald Trump on Friday, would help bring down diesel prices for Americans. "We're going to do it with all the legal authorities we have. So, you know, anyone in Congress who says whether it's an old bill or the current Lindsey Graham bill (that) prohibits us from doing it is wrong," he said.

"This is good for the American people ... bringing these diesel prices down," Bessent added. Bessent's remarks refer to the recent deal US made with Russia on supplying diesel. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump anounced that Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace,” Trump said. “Additionally, based on the condition of their diesel refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel,” he added, while claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Both these factors would bring down fuel prices, according to Trump. “Between our total control TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be coming down, in record numbers, and fast,” he said.