President Donald Trump said he supports a temporary ban on U.S. diesel exports, backing a proposal some Republican midterm candidates are pushing to lower prices at the pump. Trump endorsed the idea on Sept. 22 as he responded to a reporter's question about increasing calls from Republicans to halt diesel exports as the price of diesel in the United States soars amid the war in Iran.

"Well, I've called for that, too," Trump said, while attending the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. "I've said, 'Let's not send out the diesel.' We make a lot of diesel." The president, however, cautioned that a ban could have "a little bit of effect" on the price of regular gasoline. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, former Rep. Mike Rogers, and Iowa Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson have each called for a diesel export ban in recent days.

The average price for a gallon of diesel fuel has soared above $6.50 nationally for the first time during the U.S. war in Iran, posing major challenges to farmers in the Midwest and rural communities in Alaska. Supporters argue the policy would increase supply and lower prices, but experts warn it wouldn't reduce prices at the pump. The American Petroleum Institute expressed opposition, with CEO Mike Sommers saying restricting U.S. energy exports would only compound the problem.

Fuel prices have become a major liability for Republicans in the midterms. Trump did not say how he would seek to halt diesel exports, and Treasury Secretary Bessent told reporters the administration is still assessing a potential diesel ban.