Trump's energy ceasefire fails as Russia strikes Ukraine and judge blocks D.C. tree removal

Oil markets reacted to President Donald Trump’s “energy ceasefire” announcement on Sunday, with Brent crude briefly rising to about $108 a barrel before slipping to roughly $105 and U.S. crude to around $92 a barrel on Tuesday. Despite the pledge, Russian forces continued to target Ukraine’s energy facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Trump told reporters that the ceasefire was a result of his own directive, saying, "They agreed, you know why? Because I said, ‘You agree.’" He also defended a separate deal in which Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly agreed to supply 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and global markets, describing it as “the right choice for the American people.” Analysts note that ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries make a near-term increase in diesel exports unlikely.

In Washington, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a restraining order halting further tree removal at the East Potomac Golf Course, a public facility the president intends to transform into a premier golf venue. Reyes expressed strong criticism of the Justice Department’s handling of the case, noting the agency provided notice only hours before work began over a holiday weekend.

Separately, Trump indicated he is considering the dismissal of former campaign surrogate Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has served as U.S. ambassador to Greece since 2025, stating, "We’re looking at it" and "We’re not happy." The ambassador is under a State Department Inspector General investigation following reports of alleged misconduct.

In Texas, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico returned to campaigning after a brief illness, challenging Republican opponent Ken Paxton to a debate and dismissing rumors about his health as unfounded.

These developments were highlighted in a weekday briefing that also covered upcoming midterm election analysis and other political news.