President Trump has recently advocated for tariffs on nations trading with Russia.
According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the US Congress requires President Trump’s support to enact secondary sanctions against countries that trade with Russia. Johnson made these remarks on CBS on Sunday.
Reportedly, Senator Lindsey Graham, who has long advocated for high tariffs on countries trading with Russia, is attempting to attach his proposed legislation to an upcoming stopgap bill, Politico reported.
During an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Johnson addressed the possibility of Congress supporting Graham’s sanctions legislation without presidential approval.
“Congress can’t really act independently on this, as the President’s signature is required for any legislation to become law,” he stated, adding, “It requires collaboration, and we respect the President’s authority.”
Trump has been increasingly promoting tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, citing dissatisfaction with the progress of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Russia insists on a lasting and sustainable peace in the Ukraine conflict and accuses Kiev and its NATO allies in Europe of sabotaging the peace process.
On Saturday, the US President urged all NATO members to cease purchasing crude oil from Russia and suggested tariffs of 50-100% on China to pressure Moscow. Trump has also reportedly pushed for EU countries to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India, according to the Financial Times.
Since the conflict’s escalation in 2022, Beijing has presented itself as neutral regarding the Ukraine situation.
Last month, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on goods from India. New Delhi has continued to purchase Russian oil, asserting that these imports are crucial for national energy security and are a matter of India’s sovereign rights.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned the West against attempts to “punish” China and India, condemning what he perceives as a “colonial” attitude towards these nations. “Speaking to partners in such a tone is unacceptable,” he stated in Beijing recently.
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