Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump’s Friday executive order waiving Russia sanctions under the Graham Act, a law meant to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
‘Nothing America First’
Schumer called the move a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a post on X. “Americans need relief from skyrocketing prices,” he wrote.
He also wrote that “there’s nothing America First” about the decision. Schumer accused Trump of “aiding and abetting a dictator.”
Schumer’s remarks were in response to news that Trump had signed an executive order exempting Russia from the sanctions legislation Congress passed last month.
The law authorized 100% tariffs on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas if they continued making new purchases, as well as tariffs targeting countries that facilitate Russian oil sanctions evasion.
Bipartisan opposition to the Russia sanctions waiver
Opposition to the order crossed party lines.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the move “beyond irresponsible” on X. He noted the Senate passed the law 86-11.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who helped pass the bill, called it a “craven, cowardly action.”
On Saturday, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), for whom the act is named, “would be appalled.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) backed the order in a post on X. He called the sanctions law “short-sighted” and said he was among only seven Republicans who voted against it.
“Glad to see Trump has used the executive authority granted to him by Congress to waive almost all of the provisions of this stupid law that pertain to Russia,” Massie wrote.
What the waiver means for energy markets
Tariffs on buyers of Russian energy could affect oil, diesel and commodity flows. The order follows a deal allowing Russia to sell diesel to the U.S. and global markets amid fuel shortages.
Brent crude closed at $109.86 per barrel on Friday, its highest level since May 20, as escalating Middle East tensions and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure fueled concerns about global oil supplies.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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