Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) criticized the Trump administration for its lack of response to a request for a classified briefing on artificial intelligence risks. Schumer linked the silence to potential conflicts of interest arising from the Trump family’s significant investments in the AI sector.

Briefing Request Ignored

Schumer stated on X that the Senate has heard "nothing but crickets" for over a week following his call for a classified briefing. The requested session was intended to address critical AI vulnerabilities, including cybersecurity threats and the flow of AI chips and manufacturing equipment to China.

The leader suggested that the administration's hesitation might stem from financial ties. "Maybe Trump's not worried because his family has hundreds of millions (if not billions) tied up in the AI economy," Schumer wrote.

Context of Political Pushback

This criticism follows a joint effort by Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to challenge President Trump’s dismissal of AI safety concerns. Earlier in the month, Schumer urged the administration to explain its frontier AI testing framework and efforts to prevent semiconductor equipment from reaching China, citing warnings from an Anthropic researcher regarding artificial superintelligence.

In contrast, President Trump recently indicated that the Justice Department could intervene if AI companies create serious problems, while opposing new regulations he believes could hinder innovation. He also announced that federal documents would adopt the term "Super Intelligence" instead of "Artificial Intelligence."

Investment Disclosures Highlight Concentration

Recent disclosures reveal that Trump executed more than 20,000 stock trades over the past year, with filings released in May, July, and August. These holdings were heavily concentrated in AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and consumer technology sectors.

The concentration of trades in these specific technology firms underscores the potential divergence between regulatory oversight priorities and private financial interests in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) urged President Donald Trump to restrict US diesel exports, arguing that high fuel costs are pressuring American farmers and truckers. The Iowa senator called for an embargo similar to those imposed in the 1970s.

Grassley Calls For Diesel Export Embargo

Grassley renewed his call on September 20, 2026, posting on X that the government should embargo diesel to help domestic users. He compared the proposal to past embargoes on agricultural products during periods of inflated food prices.

According to AAA data cited by Grassley, the national average price of regular gasoline was $4.4761 per gallon on Sunday. Diesel averaged $6.5050 per gallon. In Iowa specifically, Grassley noted diesel prices reached $6.57 per gallon.

Grassley argued that keeping more fuel in the US could ease domestic prices. He stated, "High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME." He also drew a parallel to semiconductor export restrictions, writing, "If our govt can embargo chips to China it can embargo diesel to help American farmers & truckers."

Political Reaction To Rising Costs

Other politicians have criticized rising fuel costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene reported diesel in Central Florida approaching $7 per gallon and regular gasoline at $4.79. She warned higher prices would crush the economy.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) cited national averages of $4.44 for gas, $6.40 for diesel, and $5.50 for heating oil. He called for an end to the war, stating families could not afford the higher costs.

Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) claimed the Iran war had added $107 billion to American gas and diesel expenses. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett acknowledged fuel prices were "higher than we would like" but noted steps had been taken to lower them once the Gulf situation resolved.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.