President Donald Trump wants to keep control of U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, asking Senate leadership to walk back plans for a sanctions bill to penalize the Kremlin.
Earlier this month, Senate leadership expressed intent to pass legislation that would slap a 500% tariff on Russian gas and oil imports. The bill garnered bipartisan support from over 80 senators, well over the 51 votes needed to pass legislation through Congress’ upper chamber.
But the Senate’s plans reversed course after Trump signaled he wants to work with Russia unilaterally on a peace deal rather than pursuing a sanctions bill in Congress. Republican leadership heeded to Trump’s request and indicated they are tabling the bill for now.
“We want to work with him and be partners on that,” Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said. “And when he green lights the legislation, we’ll move forward with it.”
When asked Wednesday about Trump’s decision, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Center Square that the president reserves the power to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin autonomously as commander-in-chief.
