Bessent says ‘no one has been tougher’ on Russian sanctions than Trump

Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions targeting Russia's economy, despite having recently signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law. The move came just two days before a deadline set in the legislation for its implementation. Critics argue that easing sanctions could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue his war against Ukraine. However, Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary John Wright, defend the decision, arguing it is in the national interest and will pressure Russia to reduce conflict with Ukraine. This stance has strained relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizing the move as potentially harmful to his country's war effort. Treasury Secretary Bessent refused to directly affirm whether Ukraine is considered an ally of the United States when asked by NBC News' "Meet the Press." Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Wright maintains that lifting sanctions on Russian diesel exports will motivate Russia to tone down its war efforts to avoid further retaliatory strikes from Ukraine against Russian energy infrastructure. Despite the controversy, Trump administration officials assert they remain committed to supporting Ukraine in various ways, including intelligence and military aid through NATO purchases of U.S. weapons. Nevertheless, the decision has drawn bipartisan criticism for potentially aiding Russia's war effort while failing to alleviate global fuel price issues largely attributed to tensions with Iran. Critics argue that easing sanctions will only further enable Putin's aggression against Ukraine. Despite these concerns, Trump administration officials assert their actions are aimed at de-escalating conflict and addressing urgent economic pressures affecting the U.S. electorate ahead of November midterms.