The first 10 weeks of Donald Trump as President of the United States have been a roller coaster of twists and turns, unlike anything seen in the history of the world’s largest power, even making several members of his own party, the Republicans, uncomfortable.
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A couple of examples.
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He gave absolute power to his right-hand man Elon Musk to, in theory, reduce the costs of federal agencies, but this Thursday he pulled the rug out from under the South African businessman by stating that it will be the different departments that will decide on layoffs and not DOGE. And he illustrated it this way: the cuts will be made with a “scalpel” and not with an “hatchet”.
In addition to that, he has announced the tariff increase against Mexico and Canada twice, and twice he has postponed it.
Now, after several days of threats and lies against Ukraine, as if they started the war, for the first time since taking office, he directed his criticism towards the Russian government of Vladimir Putin.
What did Donald Trump say against Russia?
This Friday, through his social network Truth Social, the President of the United States said that he is “seriously considering” imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia for its war against Ukraine, raising the possibility of new pressure on Moscow days after ordering a suspension of military aid delivery and intelligence exchange from the United States to Kiev.
Trump said he was considering the action “based on the fact that Russia is ‘absolutely attacking’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now.”
He added that the possible sanctions could remain in effect until both parties reach a ceasefire agreement and a peace agreement.
The threat of sanctions came as Trump faces criticism from various sectors for increasing pressure on Ukraine to reach an agreement, while downplaying or even denying Russia’s responsibility for starting the war with its invasion three years ago.
“For Russia and Ukraine, come to the table right now, before it’s too late,” Trump added in his post.
The Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, said at the New York Economic Club on Thursday that the United States has maintained its sanctions against Russia and “will not hesitate to go all out if that provides leverage in peace negotiations.”
The government of former President Joe Biden imposed thousands of sanctions on Russian companies, individuals, and ships throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as a price limit on Russian oil, among other actions.
Bessent described Biden’s sanctions on Russian energy as “egregiously weak” and “stemming from concerns about upward pressure on energy prices in the United States”.
“Following President Trump’s guidelines, sanctions will be used explicitly and aggressively for maximum immediate impact,” said Bessent. “They will be carefully monitored to ensure they are achieving specific objectives.”
Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters on Friday that there is still “plenty of room” to exert more pressure on the Russian economy through the use of sanctions.
“The President Trump is firm in that we need to bring everyone to the table, and we can do it with carrots, and we can do it with sticks,” Hassett commented.
What were the recent attacks by Russia against Ukraine?
Russian officials said on Friday that Russia carried out nighttime attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones, weakening the country’s ability to provide heat and light to its citizens and to power factories crucial for its defense.
The bombing, which also hit residences and left at least 10 injured, occurred days after the United States suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it to accept a peace agreement pushed by the Trump administration.
Without intelligence information from the United States, Ukraine’s ability to attack areas inside Russia and defend against bombings is significantly diminished.
What is Trump’s relationship with Putin like?
Trump has had a complicated history with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican president has even mentioned the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections to argue why he believes he can trust Putin not to restart his war against Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.
“Putin went through a lot with me,” Trump told President Volodimir Zelensky during the embarrassing meeting in the Oval Office last week that led Trump to pause aid and intelligence with Ukraine. “He went through a fake witch hunt where they used him and Russia. Russia, Russia, Russia, have you ever heard of that issue?”