Trump Offers Putin Economic Aid as Congress Lacks Leverage

President Donald Trump's administration is ignoring Congress's will regarding new sanctions against Russia, lifting restrictions to lower US fuel prices ahead of November elections, according to a New York Times analysis. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers. The administration removed sanctions on Russian diesel exports and issued a decree on October 16 canceling sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Lindsey Graham law. Trump argues this serves US national interests, while critics say it capitulates to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Congress has limited power to intervene, as the executive branch retains broad discretion over sanction implementation. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and US strikes on Iran are cited as factors behind rising global energy prices.