Trump faces criticism from Democrats for allegedly helping Russia by easing sanctions

US President Donald Trump is facing accusations from Democrats that he is undermining pressure on Russia by relaxing oil sanctions during the conflict with Iran, a move that could potentially increase Moscow's war revenues while American troops face threats in the Middle East.

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Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with top Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Jeanne Shaheen, are calling for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to testify before Congress regarding the decision to ease sanctions.

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According to media reports, which were partially endorsed by Trump in a Friday interview, Russia is providing Iran with intelligence that could be used to target US forces, even as the Trump administration loosens sanctions on Moscow's oil sector.

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The senators issued a joint statement expressing concern that the Trump administration's actions will result in a significant financial gain for Russia, stating that "Russia is reportedly providing Iran intelligence to target and kill US service members and the Trump administration's response has been to loosen pressure and help facilitate a windfall of $150 million each day for its war machine".

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In the same statement, the senators also criticized Trump for prioritizing relief for the Kremlin over support for American families, who are experiencing increased prices for essentials due to the conflict.

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During a radio interview that aired on Friday, Trump acknowledged that he suspects Russian President Putin "might be" aiding Iran "a little bit" in the war.

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Earlier in the week, Trump announced that the US would waive some oil-related sanctions to boost global supply and bring down prices, which have been disrupted by the US-Israeli war with Iran and the resulting turmoil in energy markets.

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The president did not specify which countries would benefit from the relief, but the move follows temporary measures allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil that had been stranded at sea under existing sanctions.

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Democratic senators argued that relaxing sanctions on Russian energy companies and related traders would generate significant profits for Moscow, which remains under Western pressure due to its invasion of Ukraine.

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The lawmakers also questioned whether the administration had complied with a US law requiring Congress to be notified before easing sanctions on Russia.

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The senators emphasized that "Secretary Bessent needs to testify because Congress and the American people deserve immediate answers" regarding the decision to relax sanctions.

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Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the sales authorizations, stating that the White House is working to alleviate energy price pressures caused by the Iran war by utilizing oil already in global markets, while maintaining unchanged sanctions policy toward Russia.

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In a statement on social media, Wright said that the administration "remains focused on American consumers and businesses while carrying out this critical mission to end Iran's ability to threaten Americans, its neighbors and global energy markets".