House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the White House that suspending newly approved sanctions against Russia could have unintended consequences, joining other Republicans questioning President Donald Trump’s decision as his administration pursues negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he has urged the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to waive new sanctions against Russia, warning that easing economic pressure on Moscow could undermine efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Johnson’s comments followed President Donald Trump’s Oct. 16 executive order suspending sanctions and tariffs authorized under legislation Congress approved in September with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Speaking Sunday on Fox News, Johnson acknowledged growing concerns among Republican lawmakers about the administration’s approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Congress voted on this decisively just several weeks ago, and we understand that Putin cannot be trusted,” Johnson said. “He demonstrates that over and over and over.”
According to The Hill, Johnson said Republicans serving on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs committees had questioned whether the waiver could weaken American leverage over Moscow.
“I told the White House team that we need to talk about it, and, I think, carefully consider the unintended consequences that may ensue from that,” Johnson said.
The speaker said he had not discussed the matter directly with Trump because both had been traveling extensively. However, he expressed confidence that the president would evaluate lawmakers’ concerns before determining the administration’s next steps.
“He has two major objectives, as you know … every day he wants to keep America safe, and he wants to bring down the cost of living for every American,” Johnson said.
“He thinks outside the box with creative ideas all the time, and he carefully evaluates those. So I think the right decision will be made here in the end.”
Trump’s executive order waived provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which the president signed into law Sept. 18.
The legislation authorized substantial tariffs and other economic penalties targeting Russian energy transactions and entities involved in helping Moscow evade international sanctions.
The administration’s waiver suspends application of those newly authorized measures while preserving sanctions imposed under certain earlier executive orders.
Trump defended the decision in a Truth Social post, arguing that additional economic pressure could discourage Russia from participating in negotiations.
The president said he was “in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine” and wanted to preserve opportunities for a diplomatic settlement.
His administration has also cited energy prices and broader economic concerns as reasons for maintaining flexibility in its sanctions policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the White House was evaluating the potential consequences of the new restrictions, including their effects on countries purchasing Russian oil.
The decision has nevertheless prompted criticism from Republicans who supported the sanctions legislation.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., questioned why the administration would suspend measures approved by the Senate in an 86-11 vote.
“It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day,” Tillis wrote on X.
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also criticized the waiver, accusing Trump of “prolonging the war, not ending it.”
Their objections reflect concerns that reducing sanctions pressure could provide Russia with additional economic resources while its military campaign against Ukraine continues.
Ukraine and several European governments have similarly urged Washington to maintain restrictions on Russian energy revenues, arguing that those funds help sustain Moscow’s military operations.
The White House maintains that the waiver serves American national interests by preserving diplomatic options and limiting potential economic disruption.
The sanctions dispute comes as Republicans prepare for the Nov. 3 midterm elections, when control of the House of Representatives will be contested.
Johnson used his Sunday appearance to emphasize the political stakes, arguing that Republicans could retain their majority despite historical patterns that frequently disadvantage the president’s party during midterm elections.
“This is a contrast election between common sense and crazy,” Johnson said.
He warned that Democratic control of the House could lead to higher taxes, increased federal spending and renewed congressional investigations into the Trump administration.
“I believe we can defy history and keep this majority,” Johnson said.
The speaker’s remarks highlighted his effort to maintain Republican unity while publicly acknowledging disagreements over a significant foreign policy decision.
For now, the sanctions waiver remains in effect, and the administration retains authority to reconsider the suspended measures.
Johnson’s warning adds to bipartisan pressure on the White House to explain how its approach will influence Russia’s willingness to negotiate and whether easing economic restrictions will advance efforts to end the war.
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