Trump waives Russia sanctions as Republicans criticize diesel deal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denies the move eased penalties on the country, while Senator Darline Graham and former Vice President Pence push for restrictions to return.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
President Trump waived sanctions on Russia as part of a diesel deal, and Republican lawmakers including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) criticized the move as beyond irresponsible. On Sunday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the waiver, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Russia received no sanctions relief.
Why it matters
House Republicans have warned they may block additional Pentagon funding unless the administration takes a tougher stance on Russia. Critics argue the diesel arrangement would strengthen Russia.
Timeline
- Oct 17, 9:23 AM ET: GOP lawmakers criticize Trump's decision to waive Russia sanctions, with Sen. Thom Tillis calling it beyond irresponsible.
- Oct 17, 12:06 PM ET: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) accuses Trump of handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a major favor after the waiver.
- Oct 18, 6:00 AM ET: A growing group of House Republicans warns they will block additional Pentagon funding unless the administration gets tougher on Russia.
- Oct 18, 5:05 PM ET: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Trump did not provide Russia with sanctions relief through the diesel deal.
Coverage
- Republicans warn that Pentagon funds will hinge on Trump getting tougher with Russia (The Hill)
- Sen. Graham on Trump waiving Russia sanctions: ‘I look forward to talking to him’ (The Hill)
- Graham Breaks With Trump Over Russia Sanctions Law Her Brother Championed (The New York Times)
- Schumer: ‘Trump just gave Putin the best birthday gift he’ll get this year’ (The Hill)
- Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen (Los Angeles Times)
- Trump’s decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen (wtop.com)
- Trump's Diesel Deal With Russia Won't Lower Gas Prices for Americans (rollingstone.com)
- GOP lawmakers bash Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions: ‘Beyond irresponsible’ (The Hill)
- Political scientist: 'The darkest moment' in the war in Ukraine (Yahoo News)
- Trump signs Executive Order waiving sanctions against Russia (The Washington Post)
- Trump waives Russian sanctions outlined in Graham Act before they took effect (The Hill)
- Trump suspends new Russia sanctions following deal to purchase diesel, citing ‘national interests’ (NBC News)
- Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest (AP)
- Trump pauses Russian sanctions package after striking diesel deal with Putin (South China Morning Post)
- Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, saying waiver is in U.S. national interest (Seattle Times)
- Trump waives Russia sanctions, drawing bipartisan backlash in Congress
- Trump's Russia sanctions waiver draws bipartisan backlash and Ukraine alarm
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