President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said Tuesday he is seriously considering supporting a new sanctions bill aimed at addressing Russia’s actions. He questioned some of Putin’s recent statements and indicated that stronger measures might be needed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted there is significant interest among senators in the legislation and suggested it could be brought to the Senate floor soon. “We’ll have more information later this week,” he said.
The bill would impose tariffs on countries importing Russian energy and apply secondary sanctions on foreign companies involved in Russia’s energy sector. Although it has enough support to pass both chambers of Congress, Republican leaders have delayed action while awaiting a clear signal from the President. Trump’s renewed attention to the bill comes after Congress passed a major spending bill.
During a Cabinet meeting, the President said, “I am reviewing the bill. It is entirely up to me whether to approve or end these sanctions, and I am looking at it seriously.”
Previously, Trump had expressed doubts about how effective sanctions would be and described the legislation as harsh during a meeting with Germany’s chancellor. However, his recent remarks suggest he might be more open to considering the bill, though he has not yet committed to signing it. This approach could give the administration more options in dealing with Russia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently informed NATO allies that the Senate is expected to take up the sanctions bill after finishing work on other legislation.
This marks a change in the relationship between Trump and Putin. The President had earlier hoped for cooperation to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. However, after Putin declined to attend a U.S.-organized summit aimed at easing tensions and increased military activity, Trump’s tone toward him has shifted.
In May, Trump said, “I don’t know what happened to Putin,” and later posted on social media that Putin “has gone absolutely crazy.”
At last month’s NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump met with allies, expressed support for the alliance, and held a long discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
