Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver

What the report says

United States President Donald Trump is facing sharp criticism from both parties after issuing an executive order on Friday that suspends sanctions aimed at Russia and at countries buying Russian oil and gas. According to Al Jazeera, the waiver came just days before the restrictions were set to take effect under legislation Trump signed last month. The president said the pause was in the national interest and gave no clear timetable for when the sanctions might be enforced.

The backlash has come from prominent Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision irresponsible, while Senator John Cornyn of Texas said the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who helped drive the legislation, would have opposed it. Democrats including Representative Don Beyer and Senator Elizabeth Warren said the move undermines Congress’s intent to pressure Moscow and support Ukraine.

The law, passed with strong bipartisan backing, would have allowed steep tariffs on goods from countries that keep buying Russian energy or help Russia avoid sanctions. Al Jazeera also noted that the waiver followed a separate Trump decision to buy Russian diesel, a move that has already raised questions from lawmakers in both parties about whether it would lower fuel prices or instead benefit Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized the suspension, warning that easing pressure on Russia could encourage more attacks. With Congress in recess until after the November 3 midterm elections, immediate efforts to challenge the decision are limited.