Trump Draws Bipartisan Backlash for Easing Oil Sanctions on Russia and Iran

New York Times
by Robert Jimison
March 25, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Trump administration eased oil sanctions on Russia and Iran, drawing criticism from Republicans and Democrats over benefits to U.S. adversaries.

How This Affects You

Gas prices and oil market stability may be affected by sanctions policy changes, though the article does not specify direct consumer impact figures.

AI Summary

The Trump administration has eased oil sanctions on Russia and Iran, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats who argue the move benefits two adversaries of the United States. The policy shift was framed as an effort to stabilize global oil markets destabilized by conflict with Iran. The bipartisan backlash reflects concerns that relaxing sanctions could undermine U.S. leverage over both nations while providing them economic relief. Lawmakers are questioning whether the administration's approach prioritizes short-term energy market stability over longer-term strategic interests and sanctions enforcement. The controversy underscores a core tension between Trump's stated goal of managing energy prices and traditional Republican and Democratic support for maintaining pressure on hostile regimes.

Source Coverage Map

2 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

5% coverage
Did Not Cover (41)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96AP Top News96+36 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

1 source

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Russia may test Trump’s Cuba’s blockade with oil tankers crossing Atlantic
Global

Russia may test Trump’s Cuba’s blockade with oil tankers crossing Atlantic

Two vessels carrying Russian oil are reportedly heading for Cuba in the coming days in a move that could test President Trump’s longstanding blockade, according to the Financial Times, citing maritime intelligence companies.   One of the tankers making its way to the Caribbean island is Sea Horse, a Hong Kong-flagged ship estimated to be…

The HillMar 20
Trump's vision for D.C. draws design backlash and court challenges
Politics

Trump's vision for D.C. draws design backlash and court challenges

Leading cultural and architectural preservation organizations asked a federal court to stop the Trump administration from proceeding with its Kennedy Center reconstruction project. It's the latest development in a fight over the look and architecture of the nation's capital, and the power of the presidency. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, as part of our CANVAS coverage.

PBS NewsHourMar 24
Iran war underscores risks of Trump’s relentless focus on oil - AP News
Politics

Iran war underscores risks of Trump’s relentless focus on oil - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxPZXUyWkdGRlBnUU5yNWZFaGIzNjB3NEppMEwzRlZpaE9ZU2s3OGtwaTNiQ0MwRmdhd0VnM1hmRDlzMU5iVHM0SlAtX216cWVsR1NLMFc3QWZtZFFwN1JoZFBQc1hxek1lZFk1WTl4OG5GS2FVV2EzN19KUmpkQ0hVRHgwM3Awb3pUTWgtZ1lhSnNJajVmRjQ1VkZQRDVoNDNo?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran war underscores risks of Trump’s relentless focus on oil</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 19
US issues new 30-day waiver for sale of Russian oil, adding Cuba, N.Korea exceptions - Reuters
Politics

US issues new 30-day waiver for sale of Russian oil, adding Cuba, N.Korea exceptions - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxPRDB6UGR1WlowRnRFMUgxMnZGcEJZQlI5RTNSVUFITzdhWmpCNzFHQkxPQ1pVN1RoY2VwRlRpYUNfRUZUT0c1ekRLVzNPMHZlbXlRNzdZUTAyanhuU1hnbXhkMXRIOVR6YkJPeFpxWkwxQUpwNDRDWURMOXBreE15SDZ0aVJnZWN2WHZiOTV2ZG5WTk5UWXRpNlhtLTczODRsMzFFQV9XZ2owTU55QUVqaGszQ2NuQVJqUlcw?oc=5" target="_blank">US issues new 30-day waiver for sale of Russian oil, adding Cuba, N.Korea exceptions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 19
US may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, treasury secretary says
Politics

US may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, treasury secretary says

<p>US treasury secretary says actions will increase oil supply and bring down prices, but long-term effects in question</p><p>The US may soon remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea, the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said on Thursday as Washington seeks to curb prices soaring over Iran’s closure of the strait of Hormuz.</p><p>“In the coming days, we may un-sanction the Iranian oil that’s on the water. It’s about 140m barrels,” Bessent said during an appearance on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/19/us-sanctions-iranian-oil-hormuz">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsMar 20
Trump makes a detour to Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis during Iran war and airport turmoil - AP News
Politics

Trump makes a detour to Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis during Iran war and airport turmoil - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxOS0gxd08tWklXWERnTGV0Y2I2djlHYTdNQjhkbFhxNEpiOU1CUHJjT3N4NFR4c005eUoyb0tVLWZPSWR2SDY4eXE0MXR2NXJGNnlaNTdxLVBMWWN5bVRhbGRIdkkzU1M4QTZUOGMzRWpBdjdoa0E5X0d1Wm1jeUZGSTNQWUFnRHk5OVhOSXZ6a3p5RVczb0JfQw?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump heads to Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis, a detour during Iran war and airport turmoil</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 23
Read Next
The Case That Could Upend Who Gets to Be an American Is Back at the Supreme Court
Politics

The Case That Could Upend Who Gets to Be an American Is Back at the Supreme Court

Next week, the Trump administration’s bid to deny birthright citizenship to the US-born children of undocumented immigrants and non-green card holders through an executive order will arrive at the Supreme Court—yet again. Last year, the justices didn’t address the constitutionality of the order directly; instead, they ruled on a procedural question to limit the power […]

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources