Trump faces bipartisan backlash over waiving Russia sanctions - CBS News
By: Kathryn Watson (CBS News)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Washington — President Trump is getting bipartisan blowback over his surprise decision to waive new sanctions on Russia two days before they were to go into effect.
Congress approved the bipartisan legislation — championed by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died before it was passed — and it was signed into law by Mr. Trump on Sept. 18. It also comes as a blow to Graham's legacy, given that the senator, a close friend of Mr. Trump, pushed the legislation as one of his final acts.
But Mr. Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Ukraine, and on Monday criticized Ukraine, even as Russia continues to strike civilian sites in Ukraine. "Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine, they haven't been doing much," the president told reporters on the White House South Lawn Monday. He added, "We've given a lot to Ukraine, they've given us nothing."
In its most recent strikes, Russia recently hit Ukraine energy and infrastructure, as well as a medical clinic, school, metro station and residential buildings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday.
The economic restrictions were intended to penalize top Russian figures and the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas as the U.S. seeks to end Russian President Vladimir Putin's four-year war in Ukraine. But the legislation gives Mr. Trump the authority to waive parts of the law if he certifies to Congress that halting the sanctions is "in the national interests of the United States."
The Trump administration is facing intense pressure to act to bring down fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections.
"I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act," Mr. Trump said in an executive order issued Friday. "I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States."
The order did not explain Mr. Trump's decision, which came a week after the president eased sanctions on Russia's energy sector and announced a deal with Putin to import diesel to the U.S. market.
"Beyond irresponsible," GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said of the president's latest move, calling it "unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day."
"If the president wants to actually bring down energy prices, he can do it by solving the Iran problem, not by doing a solid for Vladimir Putin," Tillis added.
The 300,000 tons of diesel the U.S. is buying from Russia is about 2.2 million barrels — and that's just over half the 4.1 million barrels of diesel the U.S. uses in a single day. And since Ukraine has damaged much of Russia's refining capacity, it's unclear when Russia would be able to deliver the fuel. Experts say the deal with Russia will not offset the disruptions to oil supplies resulting from the Iran war.
GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas agrees and said of the sanction waiver, "Lindsey would be appalled."
"Helping Putin in Ukraine is reckless," Cornyn said. "He would not stop with Ukraine and our NATO allies would be next. Putin is fanatically committed to restoring Russia's glory days, calling the collapse of the Soviet Union "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century" and claiming Russia was "robbed" in the breakup."
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he shared his colleagues' position, arguing that "capitulating to a bully generally means they're going to make more demands going forward."
"That's the problem with taking sort of a business negotiation approach to negotiating with a thug, which is what Vladimir Putin is," he said.
Several House Republicans also railed against the president's move.
"The president is prolonging the war, not ending it," GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska wrote Friday. On Saturday, Bacon added that Mr. Trump's "agenda is dead."
"The President has an agenda: supplemental, reconciliation, Ballroom, etc.," Bacon wrote. "Many of us won't fund these things knowing he is propping up a dictator's invasion and throwing an ally under the bus."
GOP Rep. Michael McCaul, former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged Mr. Trump to reconsider.
"Time and again, we have seen how Putin responds to American concessions: with contempt for the United States and increased violence against innocent Ukrainians," he said Saturday.
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the waiver should come as no surprise. Meeks had argued against the bill's passage, saying it would expand the presidential tariff authorities.
"He has had the power to sanction Russia for years. What he lacks is the will," Meeks said in a statement Saturday.
"By giving the Russian economy life support, Trump's deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York, said in a separate statement.
The president's decision to waive Russia sanctions was also met with immediate criticism and concern from Zelenskyy. Earlier this month, Mr. Trump said Ukraine should "get a new leader."
Zelenskyy told reporters last week he thinks the president's actions that contradict the intent of the Lindsey Graham Act would continue, "unfortunately."
"It's unfortunate because we all had great respect for Lindsey," Zelenskyy said. "He devoted his life to America. We had an excellent relationship with him. And shortly before the tragedy, Lindsey was in Ukraine. He always supported us very strongly and pushed for as much assistance to Ukraine as possible. It's difficult without him, I'll be honest. I want to thank both Democrats and Republicans who supported his bill. That was a major victory: this truly bipartisan support. And now, the decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me. And it definitely helps only the Russians."
On Sunday, Mr. Trump sought to explain the sanctions waiver by saying he didn't want to drive Russia away from the negotiating table.
"My decision on Russia is a very simple one," he wrote on Truth Social in the face of rising public criticism. "I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don't want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table."
But Mr. Trump has long touted a friendlier relationship with Putin, a departure from all of his predecessors. New photos of Mr. Trump with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping adorn the White House's Palm Room, where reporters exit and enter the White House to see the president's take off and land from Marine One.
Mr. Trump has blasted Ukraine for striking diesel refineries in Russia. He has called on both Ukraine and Russia to end the war, although Russia started it, and could end the war by withdrawing all occupying troops and stopping its attacks.
Mr. Trump is facing political pressure to lower gas prices, two weeks out from midterm elections in which Republicans are expected to struggle. The cost of living and gas prices remain top issues for voters, with the Iran war driving up gas and diesel prices and pushing overall inflation higher, too. Mr. Trump has claimed the war will end once the midterm elections are over, although it's unclear how, and that gas prices will drop precipitously then.
At the same time, Ukrainian officials have recently been reporting difficulties with Starlink, the commercial satellite network owned by SpaceX's Elon Musk, and Starshield, the military version built on the same network.
Zelenskyy said over the weekend that the throttling of Starshield network speeds has meant that Ukraine has been unable to use its interceptors to shoot down Russian Shahed drones, has prompted questions about who was behind the slowdown. Mr. Trump on Friday denied he had limited Ukraine's access to Starlink, and added he didn't believe Musk was responsible either.
Musk said last Wednesday he isn't responsible for deciding how Starshield is used, writing on X: "Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told reporters Saturday that the administration had "nothing to do with that."
On Monday, Mr. Trump said he didn't know who ordered the interruption, "but I'd like to find out."
The explanations haven't satisfied a number of lawmakers, including some Republicans.
Last week, a bipartisan group of nine senators, including Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, John Cornyn of Texas and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, asked the Defense Department inspector general to investigate. They asked the IG to look into "whether actions or decisions by the Department of Defense or its contractors contributed to these dangerous circumstances."
"Any restrictions on these capabilities, particularly without advance notification, raise serious questions about the Department of Defense's contractual oversight and its responsibility to ensure continuity of essential services," the senators wrote in the letter.
Cramer and GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio also joined growing calls for a congressional investigation into the move on "Face the Nation" Sunday.
"There needs to be an investigation; we need to find out who these people are because lives are at risk and lives are lost over these things," Turner said.
Tillis and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut hosted a video call with Zelenskyy Monday, and said he confirmed that "critical Starlink services remain degraded," impeding Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian drones. The senators said Zelenskyy also reported disruptions to U.S. intelligence sharing regarding early warning of Russian ballistic missile launches.
The pair said Zelenskyy also raised "serious concerns" about critical air defense interceptor delays and Mr. Trump's decision to waive sanctions against Russia.
"Trying to appease a murderous thug like Vladimir Putin will only prolong this war and bring greater casualties," Tillis and Blumenthal said.
Nikole Killion contributed to this report.
Trolling, taunting, spamming, and off topic comments may be removed at the discretion of group mods. NT members that are known plagiarists, repeat comments, or continue to disrupt/deflect the conversation risk having all of their comments deleted. Please remember to quote the person(s) to whom you are replying to preserve continuity of this seed. Any use of the phrase "Trump Derangement Syndrome" or the TDS acronym in a comment will be deleted. Any use of the term "Brandon", "Traitor Joe", or any variations thereof, when referring to President Biden, will be deleted. Right wing trolls can expect to have their irrelevant questions and comments deleted. Posting debunked lies will be subject to deletion. Use of the terms "leftist" or "lefty" will also be subject to deletion. ©
Tags
Who is online
86 visitors
Trump today:
"Russia, frankly, has been doing fine on Ukraine, they haven't been doing much."
Who is he fucking kidding?!?!?
Nobody
A total disgrace.
The lowest. Trump is America's enemy.
Run!!! The call is coming from inside the house!
The only people I think are worse than the useless piece of shit Donald are those who put him in the oval office more than once.
Great job, Donald. Republican mind manipulation at work here! All Russia has to do is hold on and play along and after the election Trump can reward it "mightily"!
My grampap and dead uncles are rolling over in their graves
look at the bright side, when the bullets start flying, russian sympathizers are just down the street ...
I fucking live with one
*Gasp!
I could probably fix that, but his truck has to disappear too ...
These. . . people see what Trump is: The man is using smoke and mirrors to blow an election cycle 'blast' up their. . . carcasses! Why? Because he HUSTLES!
WTHeck don't these. . .people. . .understand about being "played"?
This is not about getting oil prices down! This is not about getting inflation down!
This is Donald Trump doing what he can to Win (think: "Hopeful HYPERBOLE" - A Trump "invention") and get his way at ELECTION DAY. A Hustler is Hustling! And millions of FOOLS will buy the same ole PITCH!
Donald Trump is a pox on Democracy and the Rule of Law.
He is pro-Russia and does not really give a damn about Ukraine.
Further, I think he is anti-democratic.
His wish is to be like Putin, Mao, Xi, and whatever the fuck the guys name is in N. Korea.
He is a Dick Tator
Kim Jung Un.
Donald Trump has always been a man after ego and exceedingly extreme SUCCESS. It is what he is selling right now - "Come believe me. . . you will be wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. . . your children will be the wealthiest people in the world! Follow me. . . I will get you there!" - he says!
And greedy, gullible, fools buy this!
Why? Because they want to get their 'tushes' UP IN THE CLOUDS FOR ONCE AND STAY THERE!
It's fool's gold however!
The first lesson about being on the top is the 'ferocious' individuals up there already. . . do not want too much (excess) COMPANY! Why? Because then the top would be 'regular' and "ordinary" all over again!
It is a lie. It has always been a lie. The "city" in the clouds. . .
will be"home" to someone. . . just not "You! (Everybody)" For too many people would bring that "city" back down to the ground where sh-t, struggle, and hardtimes are "REGULAR!"
One question...is the bullhorn blowing smoke up the butt or is the butt pushing it out?
Yes.
giggle snort
Hi darling TG, it is a confluence. The Trump administration rhetoric and acts coupled with so-called "Important people" - we shall call them "sovereign individuals"
Think: Elon Musk. . . these people are seeking Trump's help to place them above government control. Afterall, Trump is seeking to place the executive branch above the people's representatives (congress: House and Senate), and courts-including the supreme court. And, stupidly, the GOP are "casting down their crowns. . ." to the executive while the courts are modestly unsure of where their 'folds' should crease.
Thank you for asking for clarification!
Yes. Both horn and butt are 'blasting' out propaganda and rhetoric meant to sway the masses.
It's a very clever cartoon
Credit: CB (for the thought). . . AI image generator (putting to picture): "Politicians and 'leaders' blowing it out their asses to the masses."
lol
Channeling "Bewitched" Samantha Stevens:
she had quite the hollywood reputation ...
I know he's anti-democratic
Certainly Trump is anti-democratic. The man is transparent as hell if one looks at his behavior and tune out the bs rhetoric he spills. Trump sees Ukraine as underdog from which he can get nothing (his words) and Russia is offering him a trifle amount of oil in his desperate moment of midterm need.
Trump is seeking to prove a point to the American People: The American people will SWALLOW (SELL) THEIR PRINCIPLES wholesale cheap is you promise them "the SKY"! All you have to do is speak it and they will believe it!
Just like he did it Hillary (Out hustled her - she was told she was a "shoe-in'!) Just like he did it to Kamala (Out hustled her - she was told she was a "shoe-in') Donald is using the same play ONE MORE TIME as he put it for the sake of 'the supporters" this time.
One more round of "rope a dope"
Solution: America don't be a DOPE! Stop buying HYPE!
I call bullshit on this one. Vlad has never been at the table and IMO only responds to strength, not an obvious show of weakness. I have never agreed with the US policy in Ukraine since the war started and this is just one more blunder.
It is good to see more Republican backlash.
Biden should have pulled in the full might of NATO and pushed those Russian dogs back to Siberia.
Agree. Give them what they needed to win but not a slow bleed approach that was done. It is no surprise we are where we are and Trump is guaranteeing there is no end in sight
This is the same crap that happens every time the United States gets sucked into a quagmire. Passive aggressive punishment of Russia won't end the war. And affirmative action for Ukraine won't end the war.
These are Soviets fighting each other. This is not some sort of geopolitical contest. Russia annexing all of Ukraine won't stop the war. Ukraine regaining control of all its territories won't stop the war. It's a blood feud between siblings.
Nerm, do we really have time for a philosophical discussion while all practical considerations are in dire straits?
Ukraine is a country of 40 million people that were not messing with anybody and Russia attacked them. They are a republic and a friend of these United States. They are friends of western philosophies and ideas (while keeping its own folklore).
Care to clarify why this type of alienation is being introduced?
That's simply not true. The Donbas region had a population of 6.5 million in 2014. The interim Ukrainian government attacked the people in the Donbas region. (That would be similar to deploying the Marines to stop the destructive BLM protests.)
(opens a PDF)
When did Ukraine become 'friends of western philosophies and ideas'? Ukraine was a founding member of the Soviet Union in 1922. The United States deployed troops during the Cold War to defend Europe from Ukraine. The Soviet ruling class in Ukraine retained power following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ukraine did not sever ties with Russia until 2022 after the Russian invasion.
Ukraine has not been an ally of the United States or Europe. Even now the so-called alliance seems more a marriage of expedience than a true embrace of 'western philosophies and ideas'. In the future Ukraine will likely have the same sort of relationship with Europe that Turkey has now.
Why did Russia invade Ukraine and try and drive toward Kiev? If they just wanted to "rescue" Russians trapped in Donbas why didnt they just go for that?
What right did Putin have to try and take over the entire country of Ukraine? In the second half of 1991, after the recent fall of the Soviet Union , Ukraine was recognized internationally as an independent nation.
Its over. Russia had no right to invade Ukraine. What someone thinks of Zelensky or the Ukrainian leadership does not matter, at all.
You're having a totally separate (deflection-style) discussion. A history lesson is not called for in the present sense. Brass tack! Do you support Russia taking over Ukraine at the close of this present war?
All that other discussion I am not interested in 'plying'! (This Russian-Ukrainian war is enough on the 'merits.')
Russia devoted 1/4th of its invasion force to threatening Kiev. That's how Russians have always tried to force negotiations.
When did this happen?
If Russia had no right to invade Ukraine then explain why Russian oil and gas was flowing through Ukrainian pipelines into Europe for the first 2 years of the war. Russia was operating across Ukraine before the war in Donbas, during the war in Donbas, and after the full invasion of Ukraine. You seem to be ignoring the corruption by Ukrainian oligarchs.
I support Soviets killing each other until there are none left. We don't need to be involved in another European war. We never took the lead in fighting any European wars so why start now?
Then your concern is moot. We have not taken a lead in this ongoing war, in fact, it appears to the interested that the United States has taken a sidel
You seem to be forgetting or not knowing how international relationships work in practice: You mentioned '. . . oil and gas was flowing . . . into Europe. . . It is not far-fetched to accept that neither Europe, Ukraine, or Russia wanted those lines down to become corrupted and useless - after the war! Then, there is the cold experience that would come and turn all relationships frosty. And then the (unnecessary and wholesale deaths) which would indirectly or directly follow.
It is the complexity/ies of long and established connections, which enemies can only untie when all 'hope' of understanding, regret, and hostilities are broken. And no, this is not a comparison between them then and 'us' now. . . we were not party/ies (nor NATO) to those agreements, contracts, and investments (by wealthy people -on all sides-of the conflict) as the involved parties.