White House signals acceptance of Russia sanctions bill
WASHINGTON — The White House indicated on Sunday that US President Donald Trump would accept new legislation curtailing his authority to lift sanctions on Russia on his own, a striking turnaround after a broad revolt by lawmakers of both parties who distrusted his friendly approach to Moscow and sought to tie his hands.
If it passes, as now seems likely, the measure will represent the first time that Congress, with both houses controlled by fellow Republicans, has forced its will on Trump on a major policy matter.
That it comes on an issue as fraught as Russia illustrates how investigations into possible collusion between Moscow and Trump’s team during last year’s election have cost him politically.
The legislation may also have long-term consequences for the US relationship with Russia and the power of the presidency.
Once sanctions are written into law, they are much harder to lift, even long after the circumstances prompting them have changed, which is one reason European allies opposed the bill.
And presidents from both parties have long resisted Congress’ inserting itself into the process of determining foreign policy through mandatory sanctions.
But Trump found himself in a no-win position, as lawmakers eager to punish Russia for its interference in the election and its aggression toward its neighbors dispensed with the usual partisan divide.
Trump lashed out in anger at both parties on Sunday.
“As the phony Russian Witch Hunt continues, two groups are laughing at this excuse for a lost election taking hold, Democrats and Russians!” Trump wrote on Twitter.