Bipartisan Lawmakers Condemn Trump's Waiver of Russia Sanctions

President Trump waived the Russia sanctions law he signed in September, drawing bipartisan condemnation from lawmakers who called the move "irresponsible" and a "deal with the devil." Several hinted at strong congressional pushback when they return. The executive order, signed late Friday, waives the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which Congress passed in August and would have imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Russia and oil-buying nations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump was keeping Russia's economy on "life support," while Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis called it "beyond irresponsible" and Rep. French Hill demanded a classified briefing. The White House defended the waiver, saying it supports peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment, warning sanctions relief will continue. Congress returns in weeks, with lawmakers weighing responses to the decision.