Steve Mnuchin shamed for Trump's silence on Russia sanctions
The Treasury secretary really struggled to explain Trump’s treatment of Russia.
Trump’s refusal to hold Russia accountable for its election interference made for an embarrassing moment at Wednesday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing.
In late January, Trump ignored the deadline to impose sanctions on Russian oligarchs, which was just the latest example of Trump’s suspicious reluctance to punish Russia for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. Or even acknowledge that it happened.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) pressed Mnuchin on Trump’s weakness, asking him if Trump ever asked him to impose sanctions on Russia.
Mnuchin tried to ignore her question by changing the subject to a sanctions report that his department compiled using a magazine article.
McCaskill kept asking, and Mnuchin awkwardly kept dodging.
When committee chair Orrin Hatch instructed her to let Mnuchin answer the question, she said, “He’s not answering the question. I want to know if the president asked him.”
“I told him we would be doing sanctions against Russia, and he was pleased to hear that,” Mnuchin finally responded.
“Have you recommended to him that he publicly explain to the American people that he wants sanctions imposed on Russia?” McCaskill asked.
“I have not made that recommendation to him,” Mnuchin said.
McCaskill asked if Trump should make clear to Russia that “he believes sanctions are appropriate when a country tries to break the backbone of democracies all over the world.”
Mnuchin’s only answer was that Trump has “delegated” sanctions to him.
Trump’s disturbing policy weakness on Russia is occurring against the backdrop of an investigation into whether Trump colluded with Russia on that very election interference, to which the obvious answer is that he did.
If Trump won’t hold Russia accountable, then it is up to Republicans to join Democratic leaders like McCaskill in making sure that the Congress does.
Recommended
Biden campaign launches new ad focused on Affordable Care Act
Former President Trump has said he wants to do away with the popular health care law.
By Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-Star - May 08, 2024Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide
Donald Trump is planning to release more details in the weeks ahead about how his administration would regulate access to medication abortion, according to comments he made during a lengthy interview with Time magazine published Tuesday.
By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - April 30, 2024Biden on abortion rights: President expects to give speech Tuesday on new Florida 6-week ban
‘Having the president of the United States speaking out loud and with confidence about abortion access is a great thing’
By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix - April 22, 2024