Trump plays Russian roulette on eve of midterms
President Trump is indulging his fondness for Vladimir Putin at a moment of acute political peril, forcing Republicans in the midterms to take cover as he showers Moscow with one-sided concessions. Why it matters: With just three weeks until the election, Trump is rekindling a decade-long, scandal-scarred relationship with a dictator reviled by most Americans — including his own supporters.…
President Donald Trump is endangering Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections by relaxing sanctions on Russia and offering concessions to its leader, Vladimir Putin, just days before the vote. As the U.S. faces a critical election, Trump's actions have sparked widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
Since Friday's phone call with Putin, Trump has taken a series of deals to ease Russian sanctions, including releasing millions of tons of diesel fuel onto the global market and demanding that Ukraine cease attacks on Russian refineries. However, Russia has continued its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure without facing any repercussions from the U.S. On Tuesday, Trump doubled down on the diesel deal and dismissed intelligence reports that Russia is aiding Iran's war efforts.
The president's willingness to undermine American security and defy his own political interests has raised concerns about the potential consequences for Republicans vying to retain control of Congress.
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