GOP Cracks Down On Russia
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is ramping up the pressure on Vladimir Putin, and Republicans in Congress are rallying behind him with a powerful new tool: sweeping sanctions designed to sever Russia’s economic lifelines to China, India, and Europe.
In a dramatic reversal of a Pentagon directive, President Trump greenlit the resumption of Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine, signaling his support for defending America’s interests abroad — and sending a direct warning to Moscow.
“Putin talks nice, but it’s all lies,” Trump said this week during a Cabinet meeting. “We’re done falling for it.”
That tough stance has emboldened top Republicans to move forward on legislation that could cripple Russia’s remaining export markets and give Trump full authority to impose 500% tariffs on any country buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium — a move aimed squarely at Beijing and New Delhi.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) laid it out clearly:
“Putin refuses to act in good faith. It’s time for consequences.”
🔥 Trump-Backed Sanctions Bill Gains Massive Support
The proposed bill — co-sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) — already has over 80 co-sponsors. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) confirmed negotiations with the White House are ongoing and expects the bill to advance before Congress breaks for August.
If passed, the legislation would hand Trump full executive control over the scope of the sanctions, ensuring the power stays in the hands of the President — not bureaucrats.
💣 White House and NATO Strike New Deal on Ukraine Weapons
President Trump also announced a deal with NATO that allows the alliance to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, shifting much of the financial burden off American taxpayers — a move likely to please fiscal conservatives.
But not everyone in the GOP is on board. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and others continue to question the scope of U.S. involvement.
“Enough is enough,” Paul said. “This is not our war.”
Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) echoed those concerns, pointing out the tens of billions already sent to Ukraine:
“The American people are tired of footing the bill.”
⚠️ Pentagon Misstep Sparks GOP Backlash — Trump Steps In
Tensions escalated after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a pause in air-defense shipments without Trump’s knowledge. The President reversed it quickly, but Senate Republicans pounced.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blasted the Pentagon’s internal “restrainers,” while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said it proved Hegseth was “out of his depth.”
The takeaway? Trump is fully in charge — and not afraid to clean house if needed.
💡 Will Sanctions Finally Break Putin?
Despite years of sanctions, Putin’s war aims remain unchanged. But experts now say Trump’s hard-hitting economic warfare may finally shift the balance.
“If Trump isolates Russia financially, it could force Putin to back down,” said Professor Hein Goemans, a global conflict expert.
Russia’s exports to Europe have plunged 17%, but Asia remains a massive outlet — over $329 billion in trade last year, mostly in oil, gas, and fertilizer. If that door closes, Putin may be forced to negotiate on Trump’s terms.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has softened some of its demands, possibly opening the door to a Trump-brokered peace deal — one that protects U.S. interests and avoids dragging American troops into foreign wars.
🔍 What’s Next for Trump’s Foreign Policy Doctrine?
Trump has long promised to end the war in 24 hours, and while that promise remains aspirational, his strategic pressure on Moscow is building real momentum.
Skeptics like European analyst Majda Ruge still doubt a breakthrough, but even critics admit Trump’s tone has changed — and so has the trajectory of the conflict.
“This isn’t the same Trump we saw in 2020,” one GOP strategist said. “He’s tougher, more focused, and not playing games with Putin anymore.”
