Trump Sides with Big Oil, Rejects Diesel Export Ban as Europe Forced to Tap Reserves
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President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of a U.S. diesel export ban, prioritizing corporate profits over global stability, after European nations were pressured to deplete their strategic fuel reserves.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will not implement a ban on diesel exports, revealing that such a measure was never seriously considered. This decision comes in the wake of European governments agreeing to release diesel from their strategic stockpiles—a move many see as a result of U.S. pressure prioritizing market interests over energy security.
Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House, Trump downplayed concerns about fuel shortages, claiming Europe has ample diesel supplies and insisting that both the continent and the U.S. will continue to feed global markets. He called Europe’s forced decision to tap into its reserves “a great thing,” ignoring the risks this poses to long-term energy security for ordinary Europeans.
Earlier in the week, Trump had signaled a willingness to suspend diesel exports, which could have marked a significant shift since the 2015 lifting of the oil export ban. However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and industry lobbyists quickly intervened, warning that any restriction could disrupt profits for multinational oil corporations and potentially raise prices for working Americans.
Instead of taking meaningful action, U.S. officials pressured European nations to drain their reserves. The G-7, dominated by wealthy nations, announced on Friday that it would release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from strategic reserves over the next four months, with a large diesel release in the first 20 days—further benefiting oil giants.
A report revealed that U.S. officials applied intense pressure on European governments, with one European diplomat describing the tactics as “blackmail.” Trump claimed he merely asked Europe to make fuel available, but the reality suggests coercion rather than voluntary cooperation.
The administration, still refusing to challenge the fossil fuel industry, is considering further steps to address diesel prices, such as urging states to lift restrictions on off-road diesel or suspending excise taxes—measures that again favor industry over people and the planet.