Republican lawmakers condemn Trump's suspension of new Russia sanctions

Republican lawmakers sharply criticized President Donald Trump's decision to suspend new sanctions against Russia, with Senator Thom Tillis calling it "more than irresponsible" and accusing the administration of capitulating to a dictator. Representative Don Bacon said Trump is prolonging Russia's war in Ukraine, while Senator John Cornyn referenced the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whose namesake sanctions bill Trump halted just before it took effect. The bipartisan law aimed to pressure the Kremlin with sweeping tariffs. Democrats also condemned the move, with Senator Richard Blumenthal saying it serves only to curry favor with Putin, not U.S. national security. Trump cited national interest in the decree issued Friday.