Trump's Russia Sanctions Exemption Draws Bipartisan Criticism

Republican figures, including senators Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz, criticized Donald Trump's Saturday decision to exempt Russia from new sanctions passed by Congress in September to support Ukraine, calling it "completely irresponsible" and a "mistake." The executive order, issued late Friday, waives sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, following a US-Russia deal allowing large imports of Russian diesel amid rising fuel prices before November legislative elections. Republican Representative Michael McCaul urged Trump to reverse the decision. Democratic opposition also condemned the move, with Senate leader Chuck Schumer calling it a gift to Putin. The September law, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was Congress's first major action against Moscow since Trump returned to power.