Trump's Russia waiver draws instant bipartisan backlash

Axios · 10/17/2026, 7:18:15 PM

Top Republicans and Democrats alike lined up Saturday to condemn President Trump 's decision to waive recent sanctions on Russia , calling it "irresponsible" and "a deal with the devil." Why it matters : Trump already faces a bipartisan effort to overturn his Russian diesel deal when Congress returns after the election. Now he may have to deal with even broader outrage over sanctions Congress approved just a month ago. Driving the news: Late Friday night, Trump issued an executive order waiving implementation of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which he signed in September. The act would have imposed broad sanctions not only on Russia, but on other countries buying its oil. What they're saying: Democrats forcefully criticized Trump's decision. "By giving the Russian economy life support, Trump's deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier," Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote . "Trump's latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression," Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) posted on X. "These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, & everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin. I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this craven, cowardly action," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said on X. Republicans were equally unsparing. "We should be increasing economic pressure on Russia, not easing up. We need to use every tool at our disposal, including fully implementing the Graham sanctions and my REPO Act, to squeeze Putin until he ends his illegal and barbaric war in Ukraine," Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) wrote . "I have requested a classified briefing on the rationale for this decision." "Beyond irresponsible. What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?" Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) posted on X. "It's unconscionable that thi