So turns out the "Trump lifting sanctions on the FSB" storyline seems to be less than meets the eye. As seems to be the norm, now.
— Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) February 2, 2017
Come on, people. Are we going to have to go through this every day? The latest fake news story is that the Trump administration just eased sanctions on Russia:
The U.S. Treasury Department is relaxing sanctions on the FSB…buying IT equipment. What? https://t.co/yyRb5GfHyl
— Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) February 2, 2017
This naturally led to an outpouring of outrage from anti-Trump folks from across the spectrum as the story made its way to the wires:
Dems should go ballistic over this. So should McCain, Graham & Rubio & anyone who gives a damn about the sanctity of American democracy. 2/2 https://t.co/PCJnqffnjb
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) February 2, 2017
U.S. eases sanctions on Russian intelligence agency https://t.co/f2GWutepbW via @Reuters
— Cynthia Burton (@burtoncynthia) February 2, 2017
Any Republicans in Congress going to issue a statement about the Russian sanctions being lifted? Anyone?
[crickets]
— Nick Kolakowski (@nkolakowski) February 2, 2017
1st move to ease Russian sanctions is w/ regards to the FSB (Russian intelligence). Not sure about US, but def makes the ruble great again.
— Deepak Malhotra (@Prof_Malhotra) February 2, 2017
@CNBC Putin's gotta have some serious dirt on Trump. Ukraine, and now easing sanctions against a Russian espionage agency? Seriously?
— Erik Larson (@exlarson) February 2, 2017
And here we have it. Full betrayal, the evidence all there before us. Easing sanctions on the very cyber groups responsible for the hacks. https://t.co/lJU6rYY0vP
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 2, 2017
Trump eases sanctions on Russia 'cuz they have tape his piss tape. What's you're excuse for allowing this treason, GOP? #WeWontForget
— Danny Zuker (@DannyZuker) February 2, 2017
And now for the big reveal. This wasn’t an easing of sanctions but a “technical fix” that was started under … wait for it … President Obama:
A source working on the sanctions says this was "technical fix to avoid unintended consequences…Planned under Obama. Not Trump weakening"
— Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) February 2, 2017
Some analysis from my colleague @ELforeignpolicy on the new Treasury General License re: FSB pic.twitter.com/z7sMZKSvWv
— Boris Zilberman (@rolltidebmz) February 2, 2017
Instead of hyperventilating, follow @FDD_CSIF @ELforeignpolicy for analysis of Treasury Russia action. It's not sanctions loosening.
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) February 2, 2017
Trump sanctions change against Russia is a technical compliance fix, NOT "easing." Obama Admin identified the problem, this addresses it.
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) February 2, 2017
Another banner day for the MSM. Is there any wonder why conservatives don’t trust reporting any longer?
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