President Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia has triggered immediate condemnation from top members of both parties, who described the move as irresponsible and contrary to congressional intent. The executive order, issued late Friday, halts implementation of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a law Trump signed in September that targets Russia and nations purchasing its oil. Lawmakers argue the waiver undermines efforts to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine and complicates an already contentious relationship between the White House and Congress.
Democrats on the Senate floor and in the House have been vocal in their criticism. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called the decision a "deal with the devil" that keeps getting dirtier. Representative Don Beyer of Virginia stated that the move betrays Ukrainian partners and defies the clear intent of the legislation. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut characterized the waivers as unrelated to national security, accusing the President of sucking up to Vladimir Putin and urging his Republican colleagues to join in condemning what he termed a craven and cowardly action.
Republican opposition has been equally sharp, with several members emphasizing the need for increased economic pressure rather than relief. Representative French Hill of Arkansas wrote that the administration should use every tool available, including full implementation of the Graham sanctions and his own REPO Act, to squeeze Putin until he ends the war. Hill also stated that he has requested a classified briefing on the rationale for the decision. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina questioned how the President and his advisors failed to understand enforcing a law that passed the Senate 86-11, labeling the move beyond irresponsible. Senator John Cornyn of Texas offered a brief but pointed critique, noting that Senator Lindsey Graham would be appalled by the action.
The political fallout extends to the legislative agenda as Congress prepares for its lame-duck session. Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska suggested that many members will refuse to fund items on the President's agenda, including supplemental spending and reconciliation bills, because they view him as propping up a dictator's invasion. Bacon argued that this stance effectively kills the President's legislative priorities during the upcoming session.
The White House defended the executive order through spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, who said President Trump wants to see an end to the brutal war. Rogers argued that enforcing the sanctions now would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. She noted that the Act provides additional authorities for pursuing a peaceful resolution and that the President retains the ability to exercise these sanctions at any time if he determines it would advance national interests.
The immediate focus now shifts to how aggressively Congress will push back when lawmakers return in a few weeks, with bipartisan anger setting the stage for a potential clash over foreign policy and national security priorities.