Republicans and Democrats criticise Trump's waiver of new Russia sanctions

Members of both parties in the US Congress criticised President Donald Trump’s decision on Friday 16 October to waive many of the sanctions and tariffs in a Russia sanctions law that Congress passed and he signed in September.

Trump’s executive order said the waiver “is in the national interests of the United States”, NBC News reported. Asked about it on Saturday, he called it “a very good decision”. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would use a 60-day pause to analyse the measures’ impact on the US and global economy, given pressure on energy supplies.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the move “beyond irresponsible” and noted the Senate passed the law 86-11. Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News it was “a mistake” that “benefits Putin”. Senator John Cornyn and Representatives Don Bacon and Mike Lawler also objected, according to the BBC and NBC.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called the waiver a “craven, cowardly action”. Representative Gregory Meeks introduced a bipartisan bill to block the administration from buying Russian diesel, Anadolu reported.

Senator Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, after whom the law is named, said she disagreed with the decision but that “it’s up to him”.

NBC News reported that diesel prices have risen almost 70% since the Iran war began in February. The US midterm elections are on 3 November.