Trump promises American farmers $8 billion to offset soaring diesel costs with two weeks until the US midterms

The cash will come through a new Harvest Fuel Relief Program run by the Department of Agriculture, paid as one-time handouts. Diesel hit an all-time US high of $6.52 a gallon last month, against $3.63 a year ago. It still stood at $6.32 on Tuesday. President Donald Trump made the pledge at a rally outside Wichita, where Kansas is fighting a crucial Senate race.

A government formula will pick winners based on crop losses, acreage and production costs.

Trump praised Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall for fighting for the deal.