Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are advocating for new sanctions against Russia and expressed support for Trump’s strong warning to impose severe sanctions on Moscow if President Putin doesn’t halt attacks on Ukraine soon.
“The resources that have been used to finance Russia’s aggression in Ukraine—like the purchasing of cheap energy—cannot go unpunished any longer. We’ve postponed this action for too long,” they stated. “Combining more American-made weaponry for Ukraine with tariffs on those funding Putin’s ruthless war is a game-changer.”
On Monday, Trump threatened Russia with the possibility of enacting 100% secondary economic sanctions in the next 50 days.
“We’re quite dissatisfied with [Russia], and we will impose very strict tariffs if there’s no agreement in about 50 days,” Trump remarked during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. “Our frustration with Russia is significant.”
Graham and Blumenthal have garnered over 80 co-sponsors for their Russian sanctions bill in the Senate. The most recent draft permits Trump to impose tariffs as high as 500% on any nation that imports Russian uranium, gas, or oil.
“As demonstrated by President Trump, we will collaborate with our colleagues and the White House on a bipartisan sanctions bill that could impose tariffs up to 500% on countries acquiring Russian oil and gas. This legislation equips the President with the robust tools necessary to swiftly end the conflict,” they said.
They added that their approach effectively intertwines legislative authorization for tariffs and sanctions, giving the President the legal and political backing he needs.
Despite having previously commended Putin, Trump has recently voiced his frustration with Russian leaders about what he perceives as an insincere attempt to resolve the situation in Ukraine. Last year, he even campaigned on brokering a peace deal among the conflicting parties.
He reiterated this sentiment during Monday’s White House discussion.
“I went home and mentioned to the First Lady, ‘I spoke with Vladimir today. It was a good conversation,’” he recounted, noting the recent attack on a Ukrainian city. “We’re extremely displeased with their actions and will enforce strict tariffs if we don’t have a transaction in 50 days,” he emphasized. “We’re looking at customs duties of around 100%.”
Later, the White House clarified that Trump was referring to “secondary sanctions” rather than just tariffs.
“Tariffs and sanctions are both part of the tools available to him,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained to reporters afterward.
