Trump defends Russia sanctions waiver amid bipartisan criticism
President Donald Trump defended his decision to exempt Russia from sweeping sanctions under a new law, calling it “very good” amid bipartisan criticism from lawmakers. He spoke at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday, saying the decision’s implications were not yet fully understood. Trump signed an executive order on Friday exempting Russia from the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, also waiving 100% tariffs on top purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. The exemptions remain until Trump or the secretary of state determines further action is necessary. Republican Senator Darline Graham and Democrat Elizabeth Warren both criticized the move, citing distrust of Russia and concerns about enabling its war in Ukraine. Warren urged Congress to reverse the decision, adding to bipartisan opposition.