Trump waives the Russia sanctions he just signed — Congress erupts, both parties
Trump on Friday waived the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia Act before it took effect today, citing national interest — and the diesel deal with Moscow underneath it. The pushback is genuinely bipartisan: Cruz called it a mistake, Tillis called it beyond irresponsible, McCaul and French Hill want it reversed. The defense came today from Sen. Lankford on Meet the Press: the president is putting American fuel prices first while the Iran campaign squeezes diesel. Underlying issue stripped of framing: a bipartisan sanctions law, signed by Trump in September, was paused by Trump to get Russian diesel flowing and pump prices down before the Nov. 3 midterms. Whether that buys price relief or funds Putin's war is the contested part — the waiver itself is not in dispute. Sources: Washington Post · CNN · Fox Business · Oklahoman — Lankford defends.