Mike Johnson steps up calls for fresh Russia sanctions to 'send Putin a message' after Trump ripped Russian's 'bulls---'
Share this @internewscast.com

House Speaker Mike Johnson joined the ranks of lawmakers on Wednesday pushing for increased sanctions on Russia. He criticized Moscow’s leader, Vladimir Putin, for his persistent refusal to cease the invasion of Ukraine.

“I don’t know any details yet but I know there’s an interest in that in the House side, so we’ll have to see,” Johnson told reporters.

“Vladimir Putin has demonstrated an unwillingness to act reasonably or engage in serious peace negotiations, and I believe we must convey a strong message to him — that’s my stance.”

The proposed sanctions bill, led by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), seeks to impose a 500% tariff on nations importing energy from Russia. This energy trade provides significant funding for the Kremlin’s military operations.

On the Senate side, Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said he hoped the sanctions measure could clear Congress before its monthlong August recess.

Graham has claimed that Trump “told me it’s time to move, so we’re going to move” on the sanctions package.

However, the president has been less supportive in his public remarks.

“It’s an optional bill. It’s totally at my option,” Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Privately, White House officials have raised concerns that the sanctions package undercut the president’s power to steer foreign policy.

Among the points of contention are an initial draft of the bill that would have permitted Trump to give countries a 180-day waiver to pursue uranium or oil from Russia.

Now the bill includes the option of a second waiver, the issuance of which would require some sort of congressional input.

“The current version would subject the president’s foreign policy decisions to micromanagement by Congress through a joint resolution of disapproval process,” an administration official complained to Politico about the legislation.

“That’s a nonstarter for us,” the official added. “The administration is not going to be micromanaged by the Congress on the president’s foreign policy. The bill needs a waiver authority that is complete.”

The renewed sanctions push comes as Russia has continued to punish Ukraine with record-shattering drone and missile bombardments, including in civilian areas.

Tuesday night, a volley of attacks rocked parts of central and western Ukraine, even as Trump continues to rage against Putin.

“I’ve been sort of letting people know I’m not happy about what’s going on. It’s a war that should have never happened,” the president lamented Wednesday. “Young souls are dead and dying, and it should be stopped. It should be stopped. Very sad to see what’s happening.”

On Tuesday, Trump vented that ” get a lot of bulls— thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”

The president also expressed openness to sending Ukraine Patriot missiles and air-defense systems to counter Russian attacks — after publicly reversing a shipment freeze implemented by the Pentagon.

“They would like it. They’ve asked for it. They’re very rare indeed, you know, because a lot of systems have been sent to Ukraine, but they would like to, I know they made the request,” he said.

“We’re gonna have to take a look at it,” Trump continued. “When you talk about a system like that, highly sophisticated, tremendous amount of money, and they’re doing it because they want to prevent death, they’re getting hit hard, very hard. So we’re looking at it.”

In April of last year, Johnson helped pass a $95 billion foreign aid package that included $60.8 billion for Ukraine.

Far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) later brought up a motion to oust the Louisianan from the speakership, but Johnson survived thanks to help from Democrats.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jake Paul's message to Ben Askren after his former opponent's health scare

Jake Paul Sends Message to Ben Askren Following Health Scare

Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “one of the…
Illustration of Indiana fireworks legality: pie charts showing legal times to set off fireworks for various dates.

New July 9 ‘Fireworks’ Law Enforces Instant Fines in US Cities for Violations—With One Date Exception

PEOPLE who set off fireworks now face instant fines for breaking a…
Las Vegas security guard Kegia Mitchell sentenced for killing customer Thomas Martin over COVID-19 protocols

Las Vegas Security Officer Kegia Mitchell Sentenced for Fatal Incident Involving COVID-19 Protocols

A security guard from Las Vegas received a prison sentence ranging from…
A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.

Locals in Peru Discover the ‘World’s Smallest Volcano’ Erupting with Gases and Sludge

A VOLCANO touted as the smallest in the world has been discovered…
Yikes: DNC Chair Ken Martin Makes Things Even Worse for Dems When Asked About 'Globalize the Intifada'

DNC Leader Ken Martin Puts Dems in Hot Water with Remarks on ‘Globalize the Intifada’

Those questions about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani might have…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Court Date Scheduled for Austin Metcalf’s Alleged Track Meet Attacker

The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing high school track star Austin Metcalf…
Bikini-clad Sofía Vergara celebrates 53rd birthday in Sardinia

Sofía Vergara Marks Her 53rd Birthday in Sardinia in a Bikini

Buon compleanno! Sofía Vergara celebrated her 53rd birthday in a white bikini…
Utah judge schedules execution by firing squad for a man with dementia

Utah Judge Orders Firing Squad Execution for Inmate with Dementia

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge on Wednesday set an execution…
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm

Clash Erupts Between Protesters and Federal Agents During Southern California Farm Raid

A clash broke out on Thursday involving protesters and federal agents conducting…
One year after Trump assassination attempt, Butler widow demands accountability from Secret Service

One Year After Attempted Assassination on Trump, Butler Widow Calls for Secret Service Accountability

One year after Corey Comperatore was killed at a Trump rally in…
July 2025 Full buck moon in Capricorn: steady surrender

July 2025 Full Buck Moon in Capricorn: Embrace Stability and Letting Go

There’s a full moon rising in the grit and grind, strive and shine sign of the…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at a joint press conference.

Starmer and Macron Reveal Agreement to Send Back 50 Migrants Weekly from Boats to France

SIR Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announced today a one-in-one-out arrangement to…