Democrats say Trump’s oil sanctions relief risks boosting Russia’s war revenue while US troops face threats from Iran, demanding Treasury testimony.
WASHINGTON: Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of weakening pressure on Russia by easing oil sanctions amid the conflict with Iran.
Senate Democratic leaders said the move risks boosting Moscow’s war revenues while American troops face threats in the Middle East.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeanne Shaheen called for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to testify before Congress.
They cited media reports, partially endorsed by Trump, that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to target US forces.
“Russia is reportedly providing Iran intelligence to target and kill US service members and the Trump administration’s response has been to loosen pressure and help facilitate a windfall of $150 million each day for its war machine,” the senators said in a joint statement.
They argued relaxing sanctions on Russian energy firms would generate major profits for Moscow.
The senators also questioned if the administration complied with a law requiring Congress be notified before easing Russia sanctions.
Trump acknowledged in a radio interview he suspected Putin “might be” aiding Iran “a little bit” in the war.
He announced Washington would waive some oil-related sanctions to boost global supply and bring down prices.
The move followed temporary steps allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea under existing sanctions.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the sales authorisations in a statement.
He said the White House was working to ease energy price pressures by tapping oil already in global markets.
Wright stated the administration remains focused on American consumers while working to end Iran’s threat to global energy markets.
