Trump’s decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen

President Donald Trump's decision late Friday to waive sanctions on Russia just days before they were scheduled to take effect sparked sharp criticism from members of both parties on Saturday. The legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, had passed the Senate by an 86-11 vote in a bipartisan show of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called the move "beyond irresponsible" on social media, asking, "What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?" Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told The Associated Press, "I think it's clear Russia is the aggressor, and we've got to do everything we can to put economic pressure on Russia. So it's not the first thing I would be doing."

Democratic leaders were equally critical. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said in a statement that "by giving the Russian economy life support, Trump's deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier." Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Trump is "thumbing his nose" at Congress and "enabling Vladimir Putin to continue his war of aggression." She urged colleagues to take action to reverse course. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, invoked the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, saying, "Lindsey would be appalled." Graham had worked extensively on the bill before his death this summer.

The waiver comes as Trump recently announced a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian energy in an effort to curb high U.S. gas prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope the sanctions could be revived as Ukraine braces for winter amid ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Congress is on recess until after Election Day, leaving next steps highly uncertain.

Trump cited national security concerns for the indefinite waiver, but his public comments added confusion. At a Florida fundraiser Saturday, he told reporters, "We'll figure it out, and you'll figure it out. But it's a very good decision, and it's going to be a decision that's good for the country, and I think good for the world." Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Trump would take 60 days to review global and U.S. economic impacts from the proposed sanctions.

Sources: Las Vegas Sun