A number of Republicans are voicing concerns about President Donald Trump’s decision to waive extensive new sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his worries about potential unintended consequences to the White House.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order waiving crucial measures from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. This legislation, enacted in September, was intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow due to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Trump justified waiving the sanctions by citing national interests.
The Graham Act imposed a 500 percent tariff on Russian goods and possible 100 percent tariffs on goods from significant Russian oil and gas buyers. Although these sanctions were set to be enforced starting October 18, Trump’s order both implemented and waived the new duties before their activation. The waivers will remain until further action is deemed necessary by Trump or informed by the Secretary of State and other officials. Earlier Russia-related sanctions remain unaffected.
Trump’s move has stirred disagreements with Republicans advocating for stricter measures against Russia. His rationale for the waiver is connected to his strategy of negotiating an end to the war while aiming to decrease diesel and gasoline prices before the November midterm elections. On Truth Social, Trump emphasized his intent to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine, indicating that avoiding actions that could disrupt negotiations is crucial.
The waiver is part of Trump’s broader agreement with Russia designed to increase diesel supplies globally and thus lower fuel costs. Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the diesel agreement as a motivational factor for Moscow. Wright clarified that the Graham sanctions were suspended temporarily, not terminated.
While Moscow has shown approval for Trump’s waiver, Ukraine has expressed concern that this move will embolden further Russian aggression. Following a Russian drone attack in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted the waiver’s timing in relation to the attack. On the other hand, Russian officials viewed the suspension as a historic moment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson
Johnson voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of waiving the sanctions, having discussed this with White House officials. He emphasized that Congress previously voted decisively on the legislation, stressing the distrust in Putin. Although Johnson acknowledged Trump was assessing the situation, he stopped short of outright opposition.
Mike Rogers
Senate candidate in Michigan, Mike Rogers, expressed disagreement with Trump’s pause on the sanctions. He indicated his support for the sanctions bill and skepticism about the administration’s alternative strategies for reducing diesel prices.
Senator Thom Tillis
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized the waiver, labeling it as irresponsible. He condemned the acceptance of concessions to Russia amidst its aggressive actions towards Ukraine.
Senator Ted Cruz
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas called Trump’s decision a mistake, suggesting alternative methods to manage fuel prices that would not benefit Russia. He expressed willingness to advise Trump against waiving the sanctions.
Senator John Cornyn
Texas Senator John Cornyn invoked the late Lindsey Graham’s dedication to strong sanctions, expressing his disappointment with Trump’s decision.
Senator Darline Graham
South Carolina Senator Darline Graham, having succeeded her brother Lindsey, shared Trump’s goal of ending the war and reducing fuel prices. However, she personally favored maintaining pressure on Russia.
Representative Mike Turner
Ohio Republican Mike Turner encouraged the use of existing sanctions under the Graham Act, suggesting selective application of waivers as discussions continue.
Senator Kevin Cramer
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer expressed hope that the waiver would be brief. Cramer highlighted discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky about enforcing the Graham sanctions.
Representative Jeff Hurd
Colorado Republican Jeff Hurd opposed easing sanctions, fearing it would enable Russian funding for the Ukraine conflict without offering significant savings for Americans.
Representative Don Bacon
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon criticized Trump for prolonging the war, accusing the president of undermining efforts to resolve Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Representative Michael McCaul
Texas Representative Michael McCaul urged Trump to revert to the principle of securing peace through strength rather than accommodation.
Nikki Haley
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley described Trump’s decision as a significant misjudgment of Putin, lamenting the risk of helping Russia’s agenda against the West.
Regarding Zelensky’s comments on the waiver, Trump reiterated his dedication to stopping the war. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers explained the need for the waiver to facilitate ongoing peace negotiations. Trump’s administration views the waiver as a temporary pause while weighing sanctions’ impact on global energy supplies.
Not all Republicans are critical of the waiver. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford defended Trump’s efforts to balance Russian pressure with domestic energy price concerns, affirming the president’s support for Ukraine.
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