WorldSPECIAL REPORT
Trump's Russia waiver draws instant bipartisan backlash
Congress approved the sanctions only a month ago, and lawmakers already plan to challenge a separate Russian diesel deal once they return after the election; a rare agreement.
Watch it as it aired: Kenji Moonfield, Vera Bullock and Dr. Nina Byte on this story, from The Weekend Shift at 2:31 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Axios's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance
- First reported by Axios: “Trump's Russia waiver draws instant bipartisan backlash”.
- Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:31 AM ET on The Weekend Shift, by Kenji Moonfield, Vera Bullock and Dr. Nina Byte.
- Topics: Russia, Trump.
- BBN covered this story before: U.S. Floats Lifeline to Russia: Allowing More Gas Sales to Europe (October 17).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThis is a BBN special report. On Saturday, both Republican and Democratic leaders publicly opposed President Trump's decision to waive recent sanctions on Russia.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCritics called the move irresponsible and described it as a deal with the devil, according to Axios.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThese are sanctions Congress approved just a month ago, so lawmakers are watching the White House set aside their own work almost immediately.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentAnd it lands on top of a bipartisan effort already building to overturn the president's Russian diesel deal.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThat effort is expected to move when Congress returns after the election, so the pressure only grows from here.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhat to watch is whether the broader outrage turns into an actual vote, or just a very busy weekend of statements.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBoth parties agreeing on something at two thirty in the morning.

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentCheck the thermostat. Something is clearly broken.

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIn a few minutes, two people and a very long way out to sea. How long were they out there?

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI'd say it's a growth opportunity, but even I can see that one is bipartisan.
More Shorts
All videos →The story so far
- Trump's Russia moves rattle Republicans before midterms · Axios
- Japan Protests Russia's Detention of Journalist Accused of Spying · The New York Times
- Kash Patel demands MS NOW apologize after false report claiming FBI… · Fox News
- Can Russia help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan? · Al Jazeera
- Knicks beat LeBron's Lakers; Russia midterm push; WA sports row · New York Post
- U.S. Floats Lifeline to Russia: Allowing More Gas Sales to Europe · The New York Times
- Trump's Russia waiver draws instant bipartisan backlash (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Sunday, October 18, 2026 · the World archive · all months






