Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Congress Passed Last Month, Calling It a 'Very Good Decision'
An executive order says the move is "in the national interests of the United States." Zelenskyy calls it a financial reward for Putin, and senators from both parties object.
By Watchman Report staff ·
President Donald Trump waived sweeping new sanctions against Russia that Congress passed with bipartisan support, saying in an executive order Friday that the move "is in the national interests of the United States," NBC News reported. Trump signed the law, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., just last month. It targets the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and lets the president impose tariffs on goods from those countries, which may include China and India.
"It's a very good decision, and it's going to be a decision that's good for the country," Trump told reporters Saturday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the president wants 60 days "to analyze their impact on the U.S. and global economy given the pressure on global energy supplies." The waiver follows a deal Trump announced last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel onto the world market as fuel prices soar.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said lifting the sanctions was "wrong" and "only helps the Russians," calling the step "a financial reward for Putin" that "only encourages him to continue his attacks." Lawmakers from both parties objected. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called it a "craven, cowardly action." Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called it "a mistake," Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called it "beyond irresponsible," and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said, "Lindsey would be appalled."
Everything above this line is reported fact, attributed to the sources listed. The Scripture Connection is our interpretation, offered by Christians who read the whole Bible, Old and New Testament, with an Israelite-rooted understanding.
