House Speaker Mike Johnson has made it clear that United States Congress lacks the authority to unilaterally impose secondary sanctions on nations engaged in trade with Russia. In an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Johnson emphasized that legislative initiatives require the President’s endorsement to become law, underscoring the executive’s central role in shaping such policies. These statements come amid ongoing discussions regarding Trump’s proposed tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, a measure aimed at pressuring Moscow to re-evaluate its stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s recent push for higher tariffs has gained traction, particularly with the support of hawkish Senator Lindsey Graham, who has consistently advocated for imposing 500% tariffs on nations trading with Russia. Graham’s proposal, which has been attached to an upcoming stopgap bill, seeks to intensify economic pressure on Moscow. However, Johnson and other congressional leaders have reiterated that legislative efforts must align with the President’s directives, highlighting a potential rift between the executive and legislative branches.
In addition to targeting countries purchasing Russian oil, Trump has also called for a crackdown on China and India. He has advocated for the imposition of 50-100% tariffs on these nations, arguing that such measures would weaken their economic ties to Moscow and force a re-evaluation of their stance on the conflict. Beijing, however, has remained neutral on the situation, with its leadership asserting that the country is not involved in the conflict. India, on the other hand, has continued its energy imports from Russia, citing national energy security as a key factor in its decision.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West against attempting to penalize countries such as China and India, describing such actions as an unacceptable attempt to adopt a “colonial” tone. Putin’s comments, made during his recent visit to Beijing, have added a new layer of complexity to the international response. As the United States continues to navigate its economic strategy against Russia, the interplay between Congress and the executive branch remains a critical factor in shaping the country’s stance. The situation underscores the increasing importance of economic measures in international relations, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions.