Episode Details

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act by an overwhelming 86–11 vote. The bill’s most powerful provision does not simply sanction Russia—it authorizes tariffs of up to 100% against major countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.

That could force China, India, and other buyers to choose between discounted Russian energy and access to the American market. The bill now moves to the House, but even if it becomes law, one decisive question remains: Will President Trump actually use the economic weapon Congress gives him?

Chapters

00:00 Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill passes

00:55 What the bill would do

01:38 Putin’s oil customers become the real target

02:20 Blumenthal remembers Lindsey Graham

03:29 Congress hands Trump a “tariff nuke”

04:15 Tariffs of up to 100%

04:52 Why the bill also targets Iran

05:36 Russia’s banks, oligarchs, and energy revenues

06:04 The bill’s path through the House

06:37 Bipartisan pressure against Putin

07:37 Rand Paul and Ron Wyden oppose the tariffs

08:55 How the bill could hit Putin where it hurts

09:10 Zelensky responds to the Senate vote

09:34 Russia attempts to spin the sanctions

10:09 Why the original 500% tariff was reduced

10:49 Will Trump actually use this power?

11:34 Patreon shout-out and viewer comments

12:32 Why Trump may enforce the tariffs

13:05 The Senate announces the final vote

Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.

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