The confrontation between US President Donald Trump and members of Congress from his party escalated after lawmakers threatened to block additional funding for the Pentagon worth at least $350 billion unless the administration backed down from easing sanctions on Russia and restored its military and intelligence support to Ukraine. The threat came in the latest episode of anger sparked by Trump's decision to suspend new sanctions on Moscow and an agreement to buy Russian diesel with the aim of lowering fuel prices, amid Republican and Democratic objections warning that this policy gives President Vladimir Putin additional resources to continue the war.
The threats are of particular importance because Defense Minister Pete Hegseth is seeking to approve the military spending package during the legislative session that follows the November 3 elections, as part of a broader plan to raise the defense budget to $1.5 trillion.
The Pentagon intends to pay an additional spending package of no less than $350 billion, including $47 billion to expand munitions production, and $17 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense system, in addition to investments in drones, artificial intelligence, and defense industries. But passing this package may become hostage to the dispute over Russia, at a time when analysts indicate that lawmakers’ threats are aimed at pushing President Trump to retract this decision if he wants to pass his legislative priorities.
The crisis came after Trump signed, on Friday, an executive order granting exemptions from sanctions and customs duties approved by Congress under a law bearing the name of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, and aimed at tightening economic pressure on Moscow and countries importing Russian energy. The president relied on powers that allow him to grant exemptions for reasons related to American national interest, without canceling all previous sanctions imposed on Russia. Trump spoke of initial quantities exceeding 300,000 metric tons, in an attempt to calm the markets and reduce the burden on the American consumer.
Republican Representative Don Bacon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was a vocal critic, warning that the administration's legislative agenda during the remainder of the Congress session may stall unless it changes its policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Bacon accused the administration of reducing the exchange of intelligence information with Kiev and restricting its access to satellite systems, helping the aggressor party. Also, Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick warned of consequences if Ukraine does not regain access to satellite technologies that have been subject to US restrictions. He stressed that government agencies will not receive funding if they do not perform their duties.
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley described Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russia as a "gross miscalculation," warning that Putin seeks to weaken the West, and that easing sanctions gives him strategic gains at a time when pressure should be increased on him. She was joined by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who told Fox News that he understands Trump's desire to reduce gasoline and diesel prices, but he considers the decision a mistake, stressing that he will ask the president not to suspend the sanctions.
As for Republican Senator Thom Tillis, he described the step as “beyond the limits of irresponsibility,” questioning the reasons for obstructing the implementation of a law approved by the Senate by a majority of 86 votes to 11. He accused the administration of “making concessions to a Russian dictator who continues his war against Ukraine.”
The circle of objections expanded with the joining of Republican Senator Rick Scott, and 12 senators from both parties, including Republicans Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, John Cornyn, and Thom Tillis, sent a letter to Trump demanding that he cancel the Russian diesel agreement and implement the new sanctions. The signatories warned that allowing Moscow to market its fuel harms American security interests and provides revenue for the Kremlin.
In the Democratic camp, Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the participants in drafting the sanctions law, accused Trump of undermining the will of Congress and abandoning European allies, considering that the exemptions do not serve American national security, but rather represent appeasement of Putin. Senator Elizabeth Warren joined the critics, while Democratic Representative Don Beyer described the decision as a direct challenge to the will of lawmakers and an undermining of American support for Ukraine. Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks took legislative action, submitting a draft law to prevent the implementation of the Russian diesel agreement, in an attempt to stop what Democrats consider to be an easing of economic pressure on Moscow at a sensitive time.
Russian circles welcomed the decision, describing the step as a historic moment that opens the way for easing economic restrictions and expanding cooperation in the field of energy. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that easing sanctions would encourage Russia to continue its attacks, stressing that the decision is in Moscow's interest alone, and may pave the way for additional exemptions that undermine Western pressure policy.
Analysts believe that Trump's decision to reach an understanding with Putin to increase supplies of Russian diesel to global markets is an attempt to contain the rise in fuel prices resulting from the war with Iran and turmoil in energy markets, before the midterm congressional elections on November 3. However, his critics doubt the ability of these supplies to achieve a significant drop in prices during the two-week period remaining before the vote, and warn that the potential economic gains do not justify political concessions to Moscow.
In the face of mounting anger, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration would benefit from a period of up to 60 days to study the economic effects of sanctions and customs duties, especially on countries that import Russian energy, including India. Analysts say that the deadline that the US Secretary of State is talking about does not mean a commitment to automatically reimpose sanctions, and that Congress’ recess until after the elections limits the ability of lawmakers to take immediate action, despite the widening opposition within the two parties.
For his part, Trump defended his decision, stressing that it would be good for the United States and the world, without making a pledge to back down. Analysts believe that continuing the exemptions is the most likely possibility, while keeping the option of amending them or restoring the sanctions as a negotiating card with Moscow. If diesel supplies fail to reduce prices, and Russia continues to escalate its war, Republican and Democratic pressures may increase after Congress returns to session.
Analysts say that Trump faces a difficult political equation. Backing down might show him submitting to pressure from legislators, while adhering to the decision threatens to widen the division within his party and give the Democrats a new electoral weapon.
Just two weeks before the midterm congressional elections, the crisis of the Republican Party has shifted to the inner circle of President Donald Trump, who has begun to hold his senior aides and political advisors responsible for the party's declining chances of retaining its majority, amid disagreements over spending hundreds of millions of dollars, redrawing electoral districts, and selecting candidates.
While Trump has intensified his electoral movements, trying to mobilize his supporters to confront the rise of the Democrats, Republican candidates in crucial states are seeking to distance themselves from his policies, especially the war with Iran and tariffs, for fear that his declining popularity will turn into a burden that will topple their seats.
Reuters said that Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of his old aide James Blair, who runs the political action committee MAGA Inc., wondering about the reasons for the lack of improvement in opinion polls despite spending about $200 million to support Republican candidates. The criticism extended to the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, who until recently was far removed from internal conflicts.
One of the insiders described the scene as being like an episode in which everyone exchanged fire, while the White House rejected the accounts of the differences, describing them as baseless speculation.
In an attempt to move the battle from the disagreements of his advisors to the mobilization of voters, Trump appeared on Saturday evening in front of thousands of his supporters in the city of Highland Heights, Kentucky. He described the November 3 elections as “the most important in the history of midterm elections,” calling on Republicans to vote massively to maintain their control of Congress.
The president boasted of his vast influence during his second term, saying that he could do unbelievable things, and repeated his attack on the Democrats, warning of the repercussions of their return to legislative power, promising to invest $100 million in the pharmaceutical industry in Kentucky if the Republicans won. He also renewed his promise to give $5,000 to every American adult if the Republicans maintained the majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate, in an attempt to redirect voters’ attention toward the economic gains he promises.
The gathering came to support Republican candidates, led by Ed Gallerin, who received Trump's support in his confrontation with former Representative Thomas Massie, one of the most prominent conservative voices critical of the president's military interventions. Gallerin's support reflects Trump's eagerness to strengthen his influence within the party, even as some Republicans fear that loyalty to the president will become a burden in swing circles.
However, the crowds that Trump attracts do not necessarily guarantee Republican success in the congressional elections, which depend on the participation of independent voters and the ability of candidates to overcome partisan polarization. Polls show that Democrats have a chance to regain the House of Representatives, while the competition for the Senate remains closer.
The competitions in the swing states reveal a paradox facing the Republican Party. While Trump demands that his supporters deal with the elections as if he were a candidate in them, some candidates seek to prove their independence from him.
Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine stands out as an example of this dilemma. In her debates with her Democratic rival, Troy Jackson, she stressed her opposition to war with Iran, and criticized the lack of adequate planning for military operations, considering that Trump should have consulted with Congress before launching the attacks. Susan Collins also sought to confirm that she is not one of the Republicans who automatically vote for the president, citing her opposition to the appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, and her differences with the administration regarding other files.
But her Democratic rival, Jackson, accused her of following a selective approach in opposing Trump, noting that she opposes him when the outcome of the vote is predetermined, while she supports his policies in crucial moments. The tension between them reached its peak during the last debate, which witnessed a sharp verbal altercation that reflected the extent of the pressures surrounding the competition for one of the seats, which may tip the balance in favor of one of the two parties in controlling the Senate.
A Washington Post poll, conducted in cooperation with the Schar School of Politics and Governance, showed Democratic candidate Jackson leading by 50 percent, compared to 46 percent for Susan Collins, a difference that falls within the margin of error, but it reveals the fragility of the position of the Republican senator who is seeking a sixth term in a state that leans toward the Democrats.
In exchange for Republican attempts to distance themselves from Trump, Democrats began summoning their most prominent political figures to enhance their chances of seizing control of the Senate, led by former President Barack Obama, who announced his support for Democratic candidate Abdul Rahman Al-Sayyed in Michigan, facing Republican Mike Rogers. Obama is scheduled to participate in an election rally in Detroit on October 24, along with Al-Sayyid and other Democratic candidates, in an attempt to unify the party base and increase the participation of black, youth and minority voters. Obama also appeared in an election ad supporting Mr.
The elections in Michigan are of exceptional importance, not only because its seat may determine the balance of power in the Senate, but because the competition reflects American divisions over the war in Gaza and Iran, relations with Israel, and the role of Arab and Muslim voters in the elections. The debate between Al-Sayyid and Rogers turned into a sharp confrontation over foreign policy, after the Republican candidate accused his rival of being lenient with extremist groups, accusations denied by Al-Sayyid, who criticized unconditional American military support for Israel and called for prioritizing spending on education and health instead of foreign wars.
Obama's intervention reflects the Democrats' awareness that winning Michigan requires rebuilding a broad electoral coalition, which includes black voters in Detroit, Arab Americans in Dearborn, and independents in the suburbs, after the Gaza war led to divisions within the party during the last presidential elections.
An Associated Press report revealed that the heated competition between Mr. and Rogers caused divisions within the Jewish and Arab circles in Michigan. While some Jewish voters are concerned about Al-Sayed’s stances toward Israel, Arab voters who supported Trump in 2024 are increasingly dissatisfied with Republican rhetoric linking the Democratic candidate to extremism because of his religious background.
In addition to Michigan and Maine, eyes are on a number of states that may determine the future of the Republican majority. In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is trying to retain his seat against Republican Mike Collins, in a state that Trump won in the 2024 elections, but opinion polls give Ossoff a noticeable lead.
As for Kansas, the competition that was considered settled for Republicans has turned into one of the surprises of the election season. Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces a strong challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, who presents himself as a centrist candidate capable of attracting conservatives and independents. Republicans were forced to allocate additional financial resources after polls showed an unexpected closeness between the candidates. The Senate Leadership Fund Committee provided $14 million to support Marshall, while Hamilton excelled in campaign fundraising.
The states of Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska stand out on the map of competitions that the two parties are monitoring, because any Democratic breakthrough there could open a new path to control the Senate, but the task remains difficult, as Democrats need to make gains in conservative states, in addition to protecting the seats they currently occupy.
In the House of Representatives, Republican concerns are focused on swing districts, especially in Texas. Redrawing electoral boundaries could backfire if the turnout of Latino voters who support Trump declines. This increases pressure on the strategy that the president personally adopted to strengthen his party's majority.
The war with Iran remains one of the common factors between these battles, after its economic repercussions became part of the electoral debate. The rise in fuel prices and the cost of living gives Democrats an opportunity to link Trump's foreign policies to the daily problems of Americans, while Republicans seek to highlight American military power as a guarantee of national security. The sensitivity of this equation increases as tension continues in the Strait of Hormuz, as the White House fears that any new military escalation will lead to turmoil in the oil markets before the vote. Conversely, continued Iranian threats to shipping may undermine the administration's narrative of its success in imposing military control.
Thus, Trump finds himself facing a double dilemma. He needs to mobilize his conservative base by defending his policies, but he fears that these same policies will turn into a reason for the loss of Republican candidates in swing states. If the president holds his aides responsible for the failure of the electoral strategy, the results of November 3 will reveal the extent of the impact of his personal decisions on the future of the Republican majority, especially in light of the electoral campaign’s connection to the issues of war, the economy, and immigration.
The loss of the House of Representatives may be enough to change the nature of the last two years of Trump's term, by giving Democrats the power to open investigations and obstruct his legislative projects. The loss of the Senate would also constitute a greater blow to the White House’s ability to pass appointments and legislation, and redraw the balance of power in Washington.
