Tensions are boiling over in Washington as Senate Republicans clash with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance over how to handle Russia’s aggression and its ongoing war in Ukraine.
At the center of the fight is a bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at cutting off Russia’s oil profits and punishing countries that continue to do business with Moscow. Some Republicans are furious that Trump hasn’t given the green light to push the measure forward.
“I’m sick of Trump and JD and their love affair with everything Putin,” one anonymous GOP senator fumed, pointing to Trump’s historic summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month. “They’re testing how far we’ll bend over, and it makes me sick.”
Trump Stands Firm: NATO Must Lead First
While critics inside the party want immediate action, President Trump is taking a different approach. Over the weekend, he urged NATO allies to take the lead on punishing Moscow before the U.S. makes its move.
Trump announced on Truth Social, his free-speech platform, that he is prepared to implement major sanctions against Russia — but only after all NATO nations agree and begin taking the same action, and once they fully end their purchases of Russian oil.
Trump blasted NATO nations for their “shocking” oil purchases from Russia, saying it undermines their ability to negotiate and project strength.
This America First strategy prioritizes U.S. interests while putting pressure on European countries to take responsibility for their own defense.
Lindsey Graham and GOP Hawks Push Back
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a key voice on foreign policy, has been lobbying Trump to support a tougher sanctions package. Graham insists that strong sanctions, tariffs, and advanced U.S. weapons are the only way to force Putin into meaningful peace talks.
Graham and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are pushing their Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 to be attached to a must-pass government funding bill by September 30.
But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) warned the measure is unlikely to move forward without Trump’s approval.
“The president wants our European allies fully on board before we move forward,” Thune explained.
Divisions Emerge Inside the GOP
Not all Republicans agree with Trump’s strategy. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) criticized last month’s Alaska summit, calling it “not good for Ukraine.”
“We’ve given the president all summer,” Murkowski said. “Everyone thought the summit would bring results, but instead it gave Putin more influence.”
Other senators, like Thom Tillis (R-NC), are frustrated that Congress hasn’t taken action.
“Leaving this leverage on the table makes no sense,” Tillis said, arguing that passing sanctions would send a clear message to NATO and Russia.
White House Stands With Trump
The White House defended Trump’s position, emphasizing his constitutional authority to set U.S. foreign policy.
“Any sanctions package must provide the president with flexibility to pursue his foreign policy objectives,” an official said.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
As the September 30 deadline approaches, the fight over sanctions could define America’s role on the global stage.
Will Republicans rally behind Trump’s strategic, America First plan, or will internal divisions give Russia a dangerous advantage?
One thing is clear: the world is watching, and the next two weeks could reshape the future of U.S.-Russia relations.