Senator Jeff Merkley Pushes Tougher Russia Sanctions and Warns of Trump’s Authoritarian Drift

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas revenues. The bill aims to cut off the financial lifeline that funds Russia’s war in Ukraine and would authorize tariffs on the top five countries importing Russian energy or facilitating sanction evasion. Merkley criticized the previous waiver of sanctions under former President Donald Trump, saying the new measures are essential to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

Separately, Merkley warned that President Donald Trump’s second term has expanded executive authority to the point of authoritarianism. He urged Congress to act on the “For Our Republic Act,” co‑sponsored with Senators Tammy Duckworth and Richard Blumenthal, which proposes safeguards for watchdogs, civil servants, congressional powers, civil liberties, and election integrity to prevent a “strong‑man” state.