Democrats accuse Trump of helping Russia ease sanctions

(Patria) - Democrats have accused US President Donald Trump of weakening pressure on Russia by easing oil sanctions amid the conflict with Iran, saying the move risks increasing Moscow's war revenues while US troops face threats in the Middle East, AFP reported.

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his key associates Elizabeth Warren and Jeanne Shaheen have called on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to testify before Congress.

The senators noted media reports, which Trump partially supported in an interview on Friday, stating that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence that could be used to target US forces, while the Trump administration is easing sanctions that have restricted Moscow's oil sector.

"Russia is allegedly providing Iran with intelligence to target and kill US service members, and the Trump administration's response has been to ease pressure and help facilitate an unexpected revenue of $150 million a day for its war machine.

President Trump is offering more help to the Kremlin than to American families, who are now paying more at the pump and for most other basic necessities due to this conflict," the senators wrote in a joint statement.

In a radio interview broadcast on Friday, Trump said he suspected Vladimir Putin might be "helping Iran a little" in the war.

Earlier this week, he announced that Washington would waive some oil-related sanctions to increase global supply and reduce prices, as the US-Iranian war disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and causes turmoil in energy markets.

Trump did not specify which countries would benefit from the relief, but the move followed temporary measures that allowed Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil that was stranded at sea under existing sanctions.

Democratic senators argued that easing sanctions on Russian energy companies and related traders would generate significant profits for Moscow at a time when the Kremlin is still under Western pressure over the invasion of Ukraine.

They also questioned whether the administration had complied with US law requiring Congress to be notified before sanctions on Russia are eased.

"Secretary Bessent needs to testify because Congress and the American people deserve immediate answers," the lawmakers said.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the sales approvals, saying the White House is working to ease energy price pressures caused by disruptions related to the Iranian war, using oil that is already on global markets, while maintaining its sanctions policy on Russia.

"This administration remains focused on American consumers and businesses while simultaneously carrying out this critical mission of ending Iran's ability to threaten Americans, its neighbors, and global energy markets," he said in a social media statement.