North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis warned Sunday that President Donald Trump could be violating the law by lifting sanctions on Moscow to buy Russian oil, a step that threatens to endanger American service members.
## Tillis Rebukes Trump’s Comments on Ukraine
On NBC’s *Meet the Press*, Tillis challenged Trump’s recent moves,easing energy restrictions on Russia despite the lack of a peace deal in Ukraine and suggesting that Kyiv replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I completely reject it,” Tillis said of Trump’s remarks aimed at the Ukrainian government. “Tens of thousands of people have died over this illegal invasion, and I get it that he may be frustrated, but he needs to understand who the good guys are in this disagreement and who the bad guys are, and it’s not even close.”
## Potential Breach of Unanimous 2022 Sanctions Law
When questioned about a 2022 Senate law,approved unanimously and prohibiting Russian oil imports unless Congress approves a change,Tillis warned that the administration may have crossed a legal line.
“I believe that he may be,” Tillis replied when asked if Trump broke the law. “I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law. We were very clear that Russia is the aggressor.”
## Bipartisan Statement in the Works
Tillis added that he is drafting a joint statement with Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, emphasizing that Congress wields leverage over year‑end military‑spending bills.
## Cooperation with Moscow Poses Immediate Risks to U.S. Troops
Speaking about reports of Russian military ties with Tehran, Tillis warned that any cooperation with Moscow creates immediate dangers for U.S. troops abroad.
“It absolutely will,” Tillis answered when asked if the deal endangers American lives. “Look, these are bad people hanging out with bad people putting American lives at risk, particularly our special operators and people forward deployed.”
## Tillis Slams Defense Secretary Over Execution Livestream Proposal
Tillis also leveled strong criticism at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad, calling the move a recruiting tool for extremist groups and restating his regret for confirming Hegseth.
“I made a mistake, I’ve admitted that I made a mistake, and now I want to try and put somebody in place that will help the president’s legacy and make Americans safer,” Tillis said. “And that is not Pete Hegseth.”
In sum, Senator Tillis is sounding the alarm on multiple fronts,legal, strategic, and ethical,regarding the administration’s approach to Russia and related defense policies. He is pushing for congressional oversight, bipartisan dialogue, and a clear stance that prioritizes American lives and the rule of law.
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