Congress condemns Trump's executive order waiving Russian sanctions amid diesel deal
U.S. lawmakers denounced President Trump’s order to suspend Russian sanctions after he announced a diesel import agreement with Putin, and no immediate congressional response is expected.
President Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends sanctions on Russia, prompting bipartisan outrage in Congress. Critics, including Senators Rick Scott and Thom Tillis, described the action as irresponsible and a capitulation to Vladimir Putin, especially as a Senate-passed sanctions package was set to take effect. The waiver coincides with Trump’s announcement of a diesel import deal with Russia, framed as a measure to curb soaring U.S. gas prices before the November 3 midterms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on his supporters to demand the sanctions, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a 60-day review period to gauge global and domestic economic effects. Lawmakers remain unable to act until they return from recess after Election Day, though Representative Gregory Meeks introduced legislation to block the diesel agreement. The controversy also revives discussion of the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill and its legacy in South Carolina politics.
Why it matters
The waiver could weaken U.S. pressure on Russia and affect energy markets ahead of a critical election.
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