Leading conservative Andy McCarthy says Trump is shredded over giving comfort to Putin in energy deal

McCarthy attacks ceasefire terms

Andy McCarthy criticized Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire, calling the arrangement “rigged against Ukraine.” He said the administration would waive sanctions on Russia for a small amount of diesel, without receiving concessions from Putin on Ukraine. McCarthy also argued the fuel would have little effect on high prices. The average U.S. diesel price had passed $6.50 per gallon, and Trump had blamed rising costs on Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian oil refineries.

Refinery limits draw scrutiny

McCarthy said the White House’s clarification that the ceasefire covered oil refineries showed it favored Putin. He wrote that Ukraine had no operating refineries, after Russia bombed its last one four years earlier, while Russia had dozens.

He also cited restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the Starshield satellite system. According to a Reuters report, the White House was responsible for those restrictions. McCarthy said the timing raised concerns that Ukraine had been left exposed to a Russian attack.

Republicans question administration

Republican Senator John Cornyn joined three other Republican senators and Democrats in seeking information about whether officials ordered limits on Ukraine’s Starshield access. McCarthy said the sanctions waiver and satellite restrictions should prompt lawmakers in both parties to act. Senator Thom Tillis called the sanctions decision “beyond irresponsible.” On X, he said Trump could lower energy prices by addressing Iran rather than helping Putin.

Graham discusses sanctions bill

Senator Lindsey Graham said he and Trump shared the aims of ending the war and reducing gasoline and diesel prices. He described the sanctions bill as one tool available to the president. Graham said Trump would decide whether to use that tool.