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President Donald Trump’s decision to waive new sanctions on Russia is drawing sharp criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, with several prominent GOP figures warning that the move could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine.
Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, legislation he signed into law last month aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow.
The law, backed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., authorized tariffs of up to 100% on certain goods imported into the United States from major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley reposted FOX Business’ reporting on Trump’s executive order, calling the president’s decision a potentially defining moment.
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“There are certain decisions that will go down as history-defining moments. This is one of them. It’s a terrible misjudgment of Putin, who has made it clear he wants to destroy the West. We shouldn’t help him do it,” Haley posted on X.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also criticized the decision during an appearance Saturday on Fox News.
“Look, I wish the president hadn’t done it. I think it was a mistake,” Cruz said.
Cruz acknowledged that Trump was likely focused on rising fuel costs, including diesel and gasoline prices.
When asked by Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie whether he would tell Trump not to waive the sanctions, Cruz answered: “I would, yes.”
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Trump wrote in the order that the waiver was in the “national interests of the United States.”
Asked Saturday by reporters about his decision to waive the sanctions, Trump defended his approach.
“A lot of you don’t know what my decision is yet, but we’ll figure it out, and you’ll figure it out,” Trump said.
“It’s a very good decision, and it’s going to be a decision that’s good for the country, and I think good for the world because we’re really at a world stage,” he added.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called the decision “beyond irresponsible.”
“What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?” Tillis wrote on X. “It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day.”
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Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who helped draft the Graham Act, also criticized Trump’s decision, accusing the president of turning his back on lawmakers and European allies.
“These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” Blumenthal said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Saturday that the sanctions relief could encourage Moscow to continue its attacks on Ukraine.
“The decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “It definitely helps only the Russians.”
“It only fuels their satisfaction and their desire to keep killing people,” he added.
The waiver comes amid rising diesel and gasoline prices linked to the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Trump recently reached an agreement with Putin under which Russia would release millions of tons of diesel into global markets.
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Friday’s executive order does not affect certain Russia-related sanctions imposed under previous executive orders.
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who succeeded her late brother, also expressed disagreement with Trump’s decision.
“Personally, I would choose to keep the pressure on Russia,” she told reporters, according to Reuters. “Because I don’t trust Putin and I don’t trust Russia.”
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FOX Business’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
