Trump’s Desperate Bid to Win: $5,000 Checks, Russian Diesel, and Cheap Meat

Donald Trump is doing everything he can to win November’s midterm elections. With only about 30% of Americans approving of his performance, the president is personally campaigning across the country, turning the vote into a referendum on his leadership. If Republicans lose, he loses control of Congress — something he refuses to accept. To avoid defeat, Trump has pushed to redraw electoral districts, which normally stay in place for at least a decade, to take seats from Democrats. Republicans also convinced the Supreme Court to allow district changes that reduce minority representation, weakening laws against racial segregation. The stakes are clear. Polls show Trump’s low approval rating could drag down Republican candidates on November 3. **Meat Imports to Lower Prices** In late August, Trump authorized the tariff-free import of 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef to sell at lower prices — a move that angered American ranchers. Visiting Nebraska this week, a state of farmers and cattle owners, Trump admitted: “The price for consumers has skyrocketed. So, in the very short term, we’re importing some meat from a couple of countries, from Argentina, from Brazil. The situation became really unacceptable for voters, and we have to get elected because, if we don’t, your ranchers and farmers will be in serious trouble.” Trump, who once called “tariff” his favorite word, now admits that tariffs drive up prices by limiting competition and hurting voters’ wallets. This gives Democrats ammunition in their fight over affordability. **A 90-Day Measure** The president is also willing to contradict his own policies to win. He approved a 90-day measure to allow cheaper agricultural diesel on highways: “I made this little measure because I think it’s very important and it lasts a very short time. I don’t intend to renew it.” **Putin to the Rescue** On Friday, Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring Russian diesel to the U.S. to lower gas prices before the elections. Just three weeks earlier, Trump had approved sanctions on Russian oil over the invasion of Ukraine. Now, Putin is coming to Trump’s rescue. “I just finished a very satisfactory conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump said on Truth Social, “in which it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the U.S. and world market, another 500,000 tons during November, and 1,000,000 tons immediately after.” Trump added that Russia would deliver 3,000,000 tons of diesel shortly, depending on the state of its refineries. “Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz and this great announcement on Russian energy, diesel prices for Americans and, in fact, for the entire world, WILL FALL AT A RECORD AND RAPID PACE!” he said. The announcement comes after Trump signed new sanctions against Russia on September 18, targeting Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of oil tankers. The law also banned new U.S. investment in Russia and threatened 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas. **Diesel Prices Soar** On Friday, the average diesel price nationwide was $6.27 per gallon — more than 70% higher than a year ago, according to AAA. Trump’s order also delays until the end of the year a federal tax of $0.24 per gallon on regular highway diesel. Most states add their own diesel taxes. The so-called dyed agricultural diesel is the same as regular diesel, except for a red dye added so police can enforce penalties for highway use. It is already allowed for off-road uses such as farm machinery, construction, and heating. Farmers who transport their own products, like livestock or fresh produce, will benefit most. Those who have already finished harvesting will see no savings. Trucking companies and independent truckers may not feel much relief either, AP reports, since the order is federal and each state sets its own rules. **$5,000 to Each Adult** Trump’s desperation also shows in his promise to pay $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win the elections. Critics call it an attempt to buy votes. The cost is estimated at between $1 trillion and $1.35 trillion, which would raise the fiscal deficit and national debt. “We have to win these elections,” Trump said this week. And he is doing just that — anything goes to avoid the electoral disaster the polls predict.