Tillis Warns Trump Russia Fuel Deal May Violate Law

A dispute over US sanctions against Russia has raised legal and national security concerns in Washington, with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., warning Sunday that President Donald Trump's decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel may violate federal law. Tillis raised the concern during an appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press, citing existing legislation and Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

Trump announced Friday on Truth Social that Russia would "immediately supply" hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel to the global market, with more than 1 million additional tons expected soon. The announcement drew condemnation from Ukraine and critics of the administration, according to NBC News.

Congress previously moved to restrict Russian energy imports following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed legislation banning Russian oil imports, and Congress has not amended the law to reflect Trump's latest announcement, NBC News reported.

During the interview, Tillis questioned whether the president's decision complied with existing legal requirements.

"I do believe there's a legitimate case for saying the president's not following the law," Tillis said.

Asked by moderator Kristen Welker whether he believed the agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin violated the law, Tillis reiterated his concern.

"I believe that he may be," Tillis said.

Tillis also emphasized Russia's responsibility for the conflict and argued that Moscow could end the war by withdrawing from occupied Ukrainian territory.

"We were very clear that Russia is the aggressor," he said. "Russia is the one who can end this war by backing out of territory that they occupied."

The White House did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment on Tillis' remarks. The senator also connected the dispute to negotiations over government funding, suggesting that the administration's approach to Russia could affect his support for upcoming spending measures.

Tillis said his backing for funding military operations and additional year-end spending should not be taken for granted while the dispute remains unresolved.

"If the president wants my support, which I believe he should get for funding military operations and year-end funding beyond baseline funding, I think the president needs to understand this is a problem, and I'm not the only Republican concerned with this," Tillis said.

He also warned that the agreement could threaten American lives, pointing to Russia's financing of mercenaries and its relationship with Iran.

"It absolutely will," Tillis said when asked whether Trump's agreement with Putin could put American lives at risk.

Beyond the Russia dispute, Tillis criticized the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted in the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Tillis argued that broadcasting the execution could encourage radicalization and provide terrorist organizations with propaganda for recruitment.

He maintained that Hasan should face the death penalty but objected to the proposed method of presenting the execution to the public.

"The Fort Hood shooter should be put to death, but there's a way to deal with this that's proper, and there's a way to deal with this that's more improper than I have ever observed in my life," Tillis said.

The senator directed further criticism at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose confirmation he previously supported but now regrets backing. Tillis argued that the Pentagon's approach reflected a broader leadership problem within the department.

"This is not who we are, and it's another example of why Pete Hegseth, in all of his bravado, needs to get the hell out of the Department of Defense, because he is a failed leader, and we need strong leadership supporting President Trump right now," Tillis said.

Tillis has only months remaining in his Senate term before his retirement. His departure has created a competitive seat that Democrats are targeting as they seek to gain control of the chamber, according to NBC News.