Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina criticized President Trump for exempting Russia from a sanctions law championed by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Speaking at a campaign event, she said she would pressure Russia to end the war and lower gas prices, citing her distrust of Putin. Her break with Trump highlights an awkward position as she campaigns for a full term with his backing.
Graham emphasized her role in passing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, calling it a top achievement and noting it gives the president tools to use sanctions. Trump’s waiver, she argued, gave Putin a financial lifeline her brother sought to cut.
She plans to discuss the decision with Trump during his upcoming rally in South Carolina. Other Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, also condemned the move, with Tillis calling it “beyond irresponsible” and Cornyn saying Lindsey would be appalled. Trump waived sanctions shortly after lifting them on Russian diesel fuel, a midterm election issue.
Democrats hope rising energy prices could make the race competitive in conservative South Carolina, despite Graham’s Trump endorsement. In a campaign video, Trump praised her as “incredible” and said she has “good genetics,” likening her to her brother, whom he called a great politician who helped him.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing