Former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Monday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel, calling the move a “very serious mistake” that undercuts American policy and hands revenue to Moscow. Bolton made the comments during an appearance on MS NOW’s “State of Play,” according to Breitbart News.
Host Peter Alexander noted Bolton’s long-standing advocacy for increased pressure on Russia before asking for his reaction to the president’s new action. Bolton did not hold back.
“Well, I think this is a very serious mistake politically, and it will have no benefit for him economically, since wherever these supplies of diesel fuel are, they’re not going to get here likely and be put into circulation before the election, and they’re too small to have an effect anyway,” Bolton said.
A Political Maneuver, Not a Strategic One
Bolton argued that the decision was driven not by any strategic calculation about Russia’s war in Ukraine, but by domestic political anxiety over energy prices. He said the move is “driven by the concern of the effect on consumers of high gasoline and diesel prices.”
The former national security adviser said the policy contradicts established American objectives and provides financial resources to the Russian government at a time when it is waging war against Ukraine.
“It contradicts clear American policy. It provides revenue to Russia to use in their war of aggression against Ukraine. It really is the Russian government,” Bolton said.
Bolton also placed the decision in a broader pattern, pointing to what he described as a similar move earlier in Trump’s presidency. He referenced a period during strikes against Iran when, according to Bolton, Trump released sanctions on Russia and Iran in an effort to push more oil onto international markets.
“Not the first time Trump has done this,” Bolton said.
‘Incoherence at the White House’
Bolton concluded his critique by describing the decision-making process as disjointed.
“It just shows incoherence at the White House,” he said.
The comments add to a growing debate over the Trump administration’s approach to Russia, with critics arguing that easing sanctions weakens leverage against Moscow while offering minimal short-term relief at the pump. Supporters of the move have framed it as a way to stabilize energy markets and ease costs for American consumers.
Bolton, who served as national security adviser during Trump’s first term, has been a frequent critic of the president’s foreign policy, particularly on Russia. His appearance on MS NOW marked another instance of him publicly breaking with the administration on national security matters.
It remains unclear how much Russian diesel would actually reach U.S. markets or how quickly, a point Bolton emphasized in arguing the economic rationale falls apart. The White House has not yet responded to Bolton’s remarks.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/10/12/bolton-trumps-russian-diesel-deal-very-serious-mistake/