“To Russia with Love:” Larson Questions Trump Trade Official on Pro-Russia Policies

“Being a great James Bond fan, I was kind of wondering what this whole deal is, ‘to Russia with love,’ and why the President excluded Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea from the new global tariff. The Treasury Secretary said Russia wasn't on the list because they already imposed sanctions to prevent most U.S.-Russia trade, making higher tariffs unnecessary. The question is kind of two-fold because is that the case with Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea? While trading goods has decreased, trading goods with Russia is still significant. Last time I checked, it's $3.5 billion, well above the volume of trade for many smaller countries that are impacted by this. So, first, was this an oversight, or is the President trying to reinvigorate trade with Russia?” Larson asked. 

“So, there's no effort to reinvigorate trade with Russia. Congress did the right thing a couple years ago and revoked permeant normal trade relations with Russia, so put it in the bad category. So, Belarus, Russia, North Korea - they already have their own high tariffs already in a category that Congress has established,” Greer responded. 

“Would you commit here that if we see trade increasing from last year, that USTR will take action to increase tariffs on Russia?” Larson asked.  

“I'm happy to monitor that and advise the President accordingly,” Greer responded. 

“So, does that mean you would advise him to raise the tariffs with Russia?” Larson asked.   

“I don't duly give out my advice to the President out in public,” Greer responded. 

“Well, I'm sure the American people would love to know and as would Members of Congress. I mean, you have got to, kind of admit that it is just - if you casually follow the news and you are not a member of this committee, then the relationship with Russia is kind of bizarre in terms of what it is between President Trump and President Putin and why, why this relationship exists,” Larson said. 

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Rep. Larson cosponsored and voted for the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, which was signed into law by President Biden. Last week, President Trump announced new tariffs on imports on more than 100 trading partners, excluding Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, trade between the United States and Russia was worth $3.5 billion in 2024.  

Rep. Larson is an original cosponsor of the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would prohibit the President from using emergency economic powers to impose unjustified tariffs or quotas that raise costs.