World
Trump: 'Stupid People' Wanted Sanctions. He Imposed Some
The Take
Donald Trump says "stupid people" wanted him to put sanctions on Russia while he worked to free US teacher Stephen Hubbard. In October 2025, his own government sanctioned Russian oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil. In September, he signed the Russia sanctions law Congress passed. This month, he waived it.
The Wire
US President Donald Trump said on 30 October that new sanctions on Russia would have blocked the release of US teacher Stephen Hubbard, as he met Hubbard at the White House, CBS News reported. Russia freed Hubbard on 21 October after four years.
Why it matters
Trump called sanctions supporters stupid, though his own government has imposed Russia sanctions and he signed a sanctions law himself.
The receipts
Source: CBS News