‘Morally Wrong’: Trump Sparks Anger on Left and Right By Lifting Russian Sanctions
(Alex Brandon/AP photo)
President Donald Trump sparked a wave of bipartisan shock and anger on Friday when he announced he was lifting sanctions on Russian diesel in a bid to lower prices in the U.S. ahead of the election.
“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” wrote Trump on Truth Social, adding:
Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST! Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement. Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Critics were quick to call the move a win for Putin, who Trump just put further sanctions on a few weeks ago by signing into law legislation championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Garrett Haake shared Trump’s post and wrote, “The US has spent years leaning on European and other allies to wean themselves off of Russian oil. Now, with midterms approaching and US fuel prices a dominant issue, the President makes a deal for huge amounts of Russian oil.”
Outgoing GOP Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) added, “70% of Americans support Ukraine. Propping up Putin’s war economy is morally wrong as he uses that money to bomb cities. The President’s policies towards Russia and Ukraine are failures. We need moral clarity not moral ambiguity.”
Below are some more reactions:
__
New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!
Comments
↓ Scroll down for comments ↓