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Trump officials defend Russia sanctions waiver amid bipartisan criticism
8 sourcesLeft-leaning 3Center 2Right-leaning 3
Summary
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended Trump's waiver of Russia sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, calling it a diesel deal meant to pressure Russia, not an economic lifeline. Bessent said "no one has been tougher" on Russia than Trump. Sen. Darline Graham, who holds her late brother Lindsey's seat, had disagreed with the waiver. The UK government also signaled disagreement with Trump's approach. Bessent separately said Zelensky should be "careful" about claims the US slowed Starlink service.
Left-leaning
- Graham Breaks With Trump Over Russia Sanctions Law Her Brother ChampionedNew York Times · Oct 17, 8:19 PM
- Energy secretary defends waiving sanctions on Russia: 'It’s not an economic lifeline'ABC News · Oct 18, 11:06 AM
- Wright calls Trump's diesel deal a peace incentive. Rubio says Russia would sell anyway.Axios · Oct 18, 1:33 PM
Center
- Bessent: Zelensky ‘should be careful’ with ‘reckless’ comments that US slowed down StarlinkThe Hill · Oct 18, 12:48 PM
- UK Signals ‘Different View’ From Trump on Russia SanctionsBloomberg · Oct 18, 2:44 PM
Right-leaning
- Bessent says ‘no one has been tougher’ on Russian sanctions than TrumpWashington Examiner · Oct 18, 11:39 AM
- ‘Kristen, That’s Not True’: Scott Bessent Tussles With NBC Host On Russia SanctionsDaily Caller · Oct 18, 2:00 PM
- Bessent: Zelenskyy 'Should Be Very Careful' on Starlink ClaimsNewsmax · Oct 18, 2:46 PM