Investigation into Trump’s campaign donations

A US Democratic lawmaker is investigating a possible sale of US energy policy in return for billion-dollar donations to Donald Trump's campaign.

Share:

Enquête sur les financements de la campagne de Trump.

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland expressed grave concern over allegations that former President Donald Trump sought $1 billion in campaign contributions from oil and gas companies. In exchange, Trump is said to have promised to significantly deregulate the sector if re-elected. This request was reportedly made at a fundraising dinner on April 11 at the Mar-a-Lago Club, potentially putting the integrity of US energy policy on the line.

Offer details and ethical implications

According to reports in The Washington Post and The New York Times, citing unnamed sources, Trump has pledged to lift the freeze on export licenses of LNG. He is reportedly ready to raise the bidding for oil drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico, and to abolish certain regulations on vehicle emissions. These proposals, if implemented, would mark a major departure from the current Biden administration. It has temporarily suspended approval of new LNG export applications and reduced sales of leases for oil and gas exploration.

Company response and API position

In response to Raskin’s letters, major oil and gas companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and others were asked about their knowledge of or involvement in these financial agreements. Andrea Woods, spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute (API), refuted the accusations, calling Raskin’s approach “false and distracting”. In addition, he asserts that API’s meetings with decision-makers were aimed at sharing priorities consistent with their public statements and regulatory filings.
The investigation led by Jamie Raskin seeks to clarify whether the actions allegedly proposed by Trump constituted an illegal sale of US energy policy. This case highlights the tensions between national energy policies and commercial interests. It also raises critical questions about the integrity of political and regulatory processes in the United States.

 

Halliburton and Aker BP have completed the first umbilical-less tubing hanger installation on the Norwegian continental shelf, paving the way for digitised offshore operations with reduced infrastructure.
The US group has finalised operations at the Begonia field, marking its first offshore deepwater intervention in Angola’s Block 17/06, located 150 kilometres off the coast.
Prolonged attacks on fuel convoys have depleted stocks, destabilised power generation and disrupted economic activity in Bamako and surrounding regions.
Nigerian group Dangote has reduced crude supply to its refinery, citing a strategic adjustment to high oil prices and denying any technical failure.
Reliance Industries reported a 9.67% increase in net profit in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025–2026, driven by recovering petrochemical margins and continued growth in its retail and telecom operations.
An operational fire was contained at the largest refinery in the US Midwest, causing a temporary shutdown of several processing units, according to industry data.
The European Commission imposes new rules requiring proof of refined crude origin and excludes the use of mass-balancing to circumvent the Russian oil ban.
The Dutch Supreme Court has rejected Russia's final appeal, confirming a record $50bn compensation to former Yukos shareholders, ending two decades of legal battle.
A ruling by Namibia's High Court upheld the media regulator’s decision that the state broadcaster NBC failed to ensure balance in its coverage of ReconAfrica’s oil operations.
The Canadian oilfield services provider announced a $75mn private placement of 6.875% senior unsecured notes to refinance bank debt and support operations.
Commercial crude reserves in the United States posted an unexpected increase, reaching their highest level in over a month due to a marked slowdown in refinery activity.
Beijing calls Donald Trump's request to stop importing Russian crude interference, denouncing economic coercion and defending what it calls legitimate trade with Moscow.
India faces mounting pressure from the United States over its purchases of Russian oil, as Donald Trump claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to halt them.
Three Crown Petroleum has started production from its Irvine 1NH well and plans two new wells in Wyoming, marking a notable acceleration of its deployment programme in the Powder River Basin through 2026.
The International Monetary Fund expects oil prices to weaken due to sluggish global demand growth and the impact of US trade policies.
With lawsuits multiplying against oil majors, Republican lawmakers are seeking to establish federal immunity to block legal actions tied to environmental damage.
The United Kingdom targets two Russian oil majors, Asian ports and dozens of vessels in a new wave of sanctions aimed at disrupting Moscow's hydrocarbon exports.
Major global oil traders anticipate a continued decline in Brent prices, citing the fading geopolitical premium and rising supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers.
Canadian company Petro-Victory Energy Corp. has secured a $300,000 unsecured loan at a 14% annual rate, including 600,000 warrants granted to a lender connected to its board of directors.
Cenovus Energy has purchased over 21.7 million common shares of MEG Energy, representing 8.5% of its capital, as part of its ongoing acquisition strategy in Canada.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.