Longtime Arizona Sen. John McCain, a Republican, warned President Donald Trump on sanctions levied against Russia, saying he hopes the nascent administration will reject lifting them. If Trump doesn’t heed his warning, McCain said, then he'll reimpose sanctions by way of the U.S. Senate.
There has been speculation that Trump might lift sanctions against Russia, which were imposed on the country by the Obama administration
“For the sake of America’s national security and that of our allies, I hope President Trump will put an end to this speculation and reject such a reckless course. If he does not, I will work with my colleagues to codify sanctions against Russia into law,” McCain said in a statement.
Later, he described Putin as a “murderer and a thug” who is actively seeking to undermine American interests.
“Each of our last three presidents had high hopes for building a partnership with the Russian government. Each attempt failed, not for lack of good faith and effort on the U.S. side, but because Putin wants to be our enemy,” McCain said.
Another Republican senator, Tom Portman, echoed McCain’s comments. The Senate should legislate the sanctions “to ensure we live up to our commitments to our allies and uphold longstanding American values and ideals,” as The Guardian reported.
Trump said Friday that it’s still “very early” to even discuss lifting sanctions on Russia, the Washington Post reported.
