Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris publicly challenged Donald Trump, accusing him of committing "two grave offenses." In a statement, Harris asserted that Trump’s war against Iran was the primary driver behind persistently high gasoline and diesel prices in the United States. His latest move—purchasing fuel from Russia’s Vladimir Putin—reveals weakness: the funds would bolster Russia’s war effort without alleviating financial burdens on American households. Americans deserve a leader who prioritizes their well-being; Ukraine deserves allies who stand by them.
The statement by Harris, dated October 12 by Beijing time, directly links these two allegations: the Iran conflict driving up fuel prices, and procuring oil from Putin as a sign of strategic vulnerability. The first offense—the war in Iran: Harris claims Trump’s military actions against Iran are responsible for the surge in U.S. diesel and gasoline costs. Average diesel prices have risen from $3.68 a year ago to $6.28 today—a jump exceeding 70%—while gasoline has crossed the $4 threshold. This sharp increase has pressured Trump and the Republican Party politically, enabling Democrats to capitalize on voter discontent and pursue control of both chambers of Congress.
The second offense—procuring oil from Putin. On October 9, following a phone call with Putin, Trump announced that Russia would supply diesel to the United States: 300,000 tons immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November, with potential for an additional 3 million tons later. On the same day, the U.S. Treasury issued a general license easing sanctions on Russian diesel trade, valid through April 2027. Indeed, the Iran conflict has been a direct catalyst for the price surge. Trump had previously claimed prices would fall after military action ended—but instead, they continued rising, forcing a pivot toward Russia for emergency supplies.
It is undeniable that Trump finds himself in a difficult position. The decision has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced it as “handing money to Moscow for its war.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it “a gift to Putin.” Even within the Republican Party, seven senators signed a joint letter opposing the move.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878849006166024/
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