Republican senators are increasingly voicing concerns about President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with tensions bubbling up just weeks before the midterm elections. The latest point of contention is Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia under a bill Congress passed and named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a move that has drawn sharp rebukes from within his own party.
The waiver follows a controversial deal Trump brokered with Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow Moscow to export diesel to the United States, a move critics say undermines U.S. leverage and sends the wrong signal to allies. GOP pressure is mounting on Trump as he heads to Kansas, where he is expected to face questions from voters and lawmakers alike.
The Hill's Senate reporter Alexander Bolton joined Editor's Call to field questions on what might happen next and how lawmakers will respond in the coming weeks. Bolton noted that the criticism is not just coming from the usual foreign policy hawks but also from mainstream Republicans who are increasingly worried about the political fallout.
Campaign reporter Caroline Vakil also weighed in on the midterm landscape, highlighting how the Russia policy disputes are adding to the challenges Republicans face with just two weeks to go. Trump's approval ratings have sunk to a new low, and the infighting is complicating the party's message.
Sen. Graham, who was known for his tough stance on Russia, had been a vocal critic of Putin long before his death. His namesake legislation was designed to impose mandatory sanctions, but Trump's waiver has effectively gutted its enforcement. Graham had broken with Trump on the issue, citing deep distrust of Putin, and his posthumous rebuke resonates with many in the GOP.
Defense Secretary Hegseth has also come under fire for his role in shaping the administration's Russia policy, with some senators questioning whether he is providing the president with sound advice. The criticism is part of a broader pattern of unease over the administration's handling of national security matters.
In the discussion, Bolton explained that the waiver has become a flashpoint for broader frustrations about the administration's approach to Russia, including a perceived lack of transparency and a willingness to make unilateral concessions. Lawmakers are now considering whether to introduce legislation to override the waiver, though such efforts face an uphill battle.
As the midterms approach, the political stakes are high. Election betting faces new state bans, but the real bet is on whether voters will punish Republicans for the party's internal divisions. Vakil noted that while the economy and inflation remain top concerns, foreign policy missteps could hurt in key swing districts.
The discussion concluded with both reporters agreeing that the coming weeks will be critical for the administration and the GOP. With the midterms just two weeks away, the Russia controversy is unlikely to fade, and lawmakers are bracing for a contentious period ahead.
