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Melania Trump could sway White House on bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, Dem senator argues
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Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., mentioned first girl Melania Trump may play a vital function in profitable White Home assist for congressional sanctions on Russia.
“I feel the primary girl is our secret weapon,” Blumenthal mentioned Tuesday.
The remark comes as lawmakers think about whether or not to introduce a Russia sanctions invoice that has been within the works for months. The measure enjoys broad bipartisan assist in each chambers of Congress, however its future stays unsure as President Donald Trump lately expressed reluctance to do his half.
President Donald Trump and first girl Melania Trump stroll after arriving on Marine One at Stansted Airport in Stansted, England, September 18, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP)
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 has 84 cosponsors within the Senate and 113 within the Home of Representatives.
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If handed, the sanctions bundle would give the President of america extra powers to dam vitality gross sales, block visas, halt funding listings, impose tariffs of as much as 500%, and extra. These measures are conditioned on the President’s willpower that Russia shouldn’t be making good religion efforts to finish the conflict.
Blumenthal, co-author of the laws alongside Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., believes the second is correct to maneuver the bundle ahead — at the same time as Trump advised reporters final week that “it might not be excellent timing” for brand new sanctions.
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Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is seen on the Russell subway earlier than the February 2025 vote. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Name)
Blumenthal believes the primary girl can change the president’s imaginative and prescient.
“She is clearly deeply disturbed by the kidnapping of kids, which is emblematic of a conflict crime. I see the necessity to introduce our invoice as a sign to show that you just can’t delay and mock us indefinitely,” Blumenthal mentioned.
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Melania Trump introduced earlier this month that she had been in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin about efforts to reunite Ukrainian kids kidnapped throughout the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. By way of these efforts, she helped safe the return of eight Ukrainian kids.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., speaks to reporters, July 2024. (Kevin Mohatt/Reuters)
“Putin solely understands power and energy, navy and financial. I’m very hopeful [Trump] I’ll see the urgency now,” Blumenthal mentioned.
Senate Majority Chief John Thune, R-S.D., advised the viewers final week that he may convey the invoice to a vote within the subsequent 30 days, however hinted that components of the invoice might have to be revised earlier than it may be thought-about.
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He didn’t point out which components of the invoice needs to be addressed.
The White Home didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.