Trump faces bipartisan backlash over waiving Russia sanctions
President Trump is defending his decision to waive sanctions, which will refill Russia's pocketbooks as it attacks Ukraine.
Key points
- Trump waived sanctions on Russia two days before they were due to take effect.
- Republican senators Tillis, Cornyn and Cramer joined Democrats in criticizing the waiver.
- Trump said he did not want to drive Russia away from peace talks.
President Trump is facing bipartisan criticism after waiving new sanctions on Russia two days before they were set to take effect. Congress passed the legislation, championed by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Trump signed it into law on Sept. 18.
The law lets the president waive parts of it if he certifies to Congress that doing so is in the national interest. Trump issued an executive order Friday waiving the sanctions, without explaining the decision.
Republican criticism
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the move "beyond irresponsible" and said it was "unconscionable" for the administration to capitulate to a Russian dictator. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said of the waiver, "Lindsey would be appalled."
Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he shared his colleagues' position, and several House Republicans also objected. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska wrote that the president is prolonging the war, not ending it.
Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine, they haven't been doing much
— President Trump
Trump's explanation
On Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and does not want to drive Russia away from the bargaining table. He also told reporters that "Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the decision to undo the law's intent seems wrong and "definitely helps only the Russians." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump's deal with the devil "keeps getting dirtier."
