Trump faces bipartisan backlash over waiving Russia sanctions
President Trump is facing bipartisan criticism for waiving sanctions on Russia, a move that contradicts legislation passed by Congress. The administration cited national interest, but the decision has sparked concerns regarding the U.S. stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Why it matters
This decision highlights tensions between the executive and legislative branches regarding foreign policy and the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.
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."
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