White House: Trump Seeks to Maintain Control Over Russia Sanctions, Prefers Personal Decision-Making
In the realm of American politics, an ongoing debate continues surrounding the implementation of new sanctions against the Russian Federation. According to information provided by White House spokesperson Carolyn Leavitt during a briefing on July 23, President Donald Trump is interested in retaining personal oversight over crucial decisions concerning sanctions measures. While he consults closely with advisors and senators, notably Lindsey Graham, he intends to keep the authority to independently determine the trajectory of these restrictive policies. Sources indicate that Trump remains deeply involved and prefers to act unilaterally, regardless of political debates in the Senate. Reports from international media and experts mention the president’s consistent engagement in foreign policy issues, especially concerning Russia. Simultaneously, major legislative initiatives in the Senate aimed at strengthening sanctions against Moscow have reportedly been halted at the request of the Trump administration. These legislative proposals included significant tariffs and restrictions on Russian imports, with penalties reaching up to 500%. Co-authored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, the bills gained support from over 80 senators. However, following Trump's firm statements about the possibility of unilateral measures, both Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have had to reconsider their plans. Senator John Thune stated that Trump decided to act independently to exert pressure on Russia and push it toward negotiations. Graham confirmed that the president supports the concept of tough sanctions, while Blumenthal noted that the current initiative is more effective and impactful than previous drafts. Meanwhile, Latvia and Lithuania are calling for swift imposition of secondary sanctions to prevent further Russian economic support and influence. Overall, the US continues its debate over the scope and manner of sanctions against Russia, with Trump aiming to preserve the authority to make decisions personally, given the strategic importance of this issue for national security.