Wow. These look more real than that cut and paste job from Forbes that was the basis of an earlier released list. Wonder how Trump will explain this to Putin during his WH visit. I look forward to reading analysis about these sanctions. The only thing that jumps out from this announcement is the path towards “wiggle room” (aka loopholes to be exploited)
The sanctions freeze any assets that those targeted have in U.S. jurisdictions and bars Americans from doing business with them. But the administration said it would give guidance to Americans who may currently have business with them about how to wind down that business and avoid running afoul of the sanctions.
Interesting Bertrand Tweet:
I think this is notable in context of people recently leaving the administration have come out against Russian bad acts. The light bulb has turned on for some at least.
But, let’s see if Trump undermines the people in his administration acting on this issue. Like 60 diplomats are expelled, but Putin is assured he will have 60 more come in.
Considering how much time has passed since Congress passed a sanctions bill, I wonder how many Oligarchs took the opportunity to relocate their liquid assets?
Another reporter’s (cbs) tweet - indicates how close to Putin some of the targets are:
I’m in ‘wait and see’ mode. Part of me believes this is orchestrated between Vlad and Donnie to concentrate power for Putin and make Donnie look like he gives a sht about the USA. I don’t want to sink into Alex Jones territory but…I’m susceptible…
But the administration said it would give guidance to Americans who may currently have business with them about how to wind down that business and avoid running afoul of the sanctions.
Why don’t we just freeze those assets too? Or would that mean Donny would have to start collecting his regular pay check?
Incredible, and very telling, that these obvious steps had not yet been taken.
Interesting take. But it would have to be carried out by someone with a larger attention span and attention to detail than Trump. Trump would just need to know that Vlad approved.
Something big is going on - as these do seem to be serious sanctions as opposed to everything done/said so far which was decidedly unserious. I have been following Laura Rozen’s twitter feed - where numerous reporters are tweeting responses as they dig through the release. twitter.com/lrozen For example from a reporter on the NPR national security desk:
But the administration said it would give guidance to Americans who may currently have business with them about how to wind down that business and avoid running afoul of the sanctions.
I’m thinking more along the lines of, “Join the Trump Administration now! Exciting positions exist in the Energy and Commerce Departments for enterprising Americans with extensive experience in Russia… um, International Relations and business finance. Interviews at Trump Tower in New York.”
I think we also know now which of the Russian Oligarchs were on the outs with Putin.
“Nobody has been tougher on Russia than I have,” Trump said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Why do we bother to repeat this bullshit claim, unless instead of “Trump said” we append “Trump bombastically spouted (contrary to, you know, the truth)”?
Was Trump told? That’s the question of the day.
“I think this is notable in context of people recently leaving the administration have come out against Russian bad acts. The light bulb has turned on for some at least.”
No it’s called CYA.
What about that Demitry guy that follows trump around on his plane and bought that house in West Palm?
Agree completely. It is certainly way past the time where reporters realize he is usually lying or concocting crap on the fly, so why just blandly repeat his statements as if they have any worth?
No real journalist should ever again write “Trump said [some outrageously ridiculous whopper] and therefore we are all readjusting our narratives to suit.” It’s OK to report the statement along with the actual facts or at least an acknowledgement that he’s lying again.
What, no Boris and Natasha?
Build a wall at Frostbite Falls!
With Trump consistently denigrating our vast network of intelligence agencies, it would be useful to know who these " officials" are…how were these conclusions reached and why are they credible as opposed to the intelligence that the President disses on a routine basis…
So Forbes is identifying who we should sanction now?
Talk about outsourcing and privatizing!
Window dressing. At the same time, Trump is talking out the other side of his mouth about getting out of Syria. Who would be most delighted when and if that comes about?