Cruz Calls Russia Sanctions Waiver a Mistake
Sen. Ted Cruz criticized the administration's decision to waive sanctions on Russia in order to lower diesel prices, calling it a mistake. He said he wished Trump had not done it and acknowledged the president's focus on fuel costs. Cruz also claimed gas prices were higher under Biden, a comparison CNN said was only true for a brief period after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican usually aligned with President Donald Trump, objected to the administration’s move to suspend penalties on Russia as a way to bring down diesel costs. Speaking on Fox News, he said he regretted the president’s choice and described it as an error, while noting Trump’s attention to fuel prices.
Cruz also argued gasoline was more expensive during Joe Biden’s term. Trump has made a similar claim recently, but CNN reported that comparison held only briefly, in the period right after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The dispute may keep public attention on how sanctions policy intersects with fuel costs, potentially affecting drivers, consumers, and energy markets. It could also intensify debate over presidential authority and party loyalty, as a usually supportive senator publicly questions a White House decision. For Russian officials and sanctions advocates, the waiver may signal shifting priorities, though practical effects remain uncertain.