Blumenthal: Trump Sides with Putin by Suspending Sanctions on Russia

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal accused President Donald Trump of siding with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin after Trump suspended sanctions against major Russian oil and gas buyers under a law sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham. Blumenthal called the decision "shameful and cowardly," saying the exemptions have nothing to do with U.S. national security and instead show a desire to please Putin. He urged Republican colleagues to join in condemning the move, which he said supports "a bloodthirsty bandit." Trump suspended the sanctions on October 16, citing "national interests," just weeks after signing the Graham-sponsored law targeting Russian officials, banks, and vessels. The dispute follows Trump's October 11 deal with Putin on Russian oil supplies and his criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky.