Republicans Threaten to Defund Trump’s Agenda Over Russia

A group of Republican lawmakers is pushing back against Donald Trump’s softening stance on Russia, threatening to cut financial support for his agenda. The dispute centers on what one congressman called the president’s “embarrassing” handling of the Ukraine war. Don Bacon, an outgoing Nebraska congressman, condemned Trump’s recent actions as “absolutely disgraceful.” He accused the president of cozying up to a “war criminal,” referring to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The criticism follows two controversial moves by the administration. First, the US agreed to buy Russian diesel. Second, it paused new sanctions on Moscow that Congress had passed. These Republicans say they may withhold support for the president’s policy goals unless he changes course on Russia. Their revolt signals growing tension within the party over Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine.