Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) declared the Republican agenda "dead" following President Donald Trump's reversal on sweeping sanctions targeting Russia's economy. The decision, announced Friday, drew sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Bacon stated on X, formerly Twitter, that "Many of us won't fund these things knowing he is propping up a dictator's invasion and throwing an ally under the bus." He was reacting to Trump's executive order that officially placed the recently enacted sanctions on hold. These sanctions, part of legislation signed last month, aimed to impede Russia's financial resources used in its war against Ukraine and included potential tariffs on Russian oil and natural gas imports.
Trump's decision to pause the sanctions follows his announcement last week that the U.S. would purchase millions of metric tons of diesel from Russia, a move intended to lower global fuel prices. This action has drawn concern for potentially undermining Ukraine's defense.
Bacon is not the only Republican to voice opposition. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called Trump's decision "unconscionable" and criticized it as "capitulating to a Russian dictator." Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has also expressed similar sentiments.
Bacon is not seeking re-election in the upcoming midterms, and Cornyn, also an outgoing lawmaker, has previously predicted unfavorable results for Republicans in the elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged supporters to continue advocating for the sanctions.