Hold onto your wallets, folks—the U.S. Treasury Department under President Trump and Secretary Scott Bessent is shaking up the sanctions game with a no-nonsense approach.

The Treasury is pivoting to sanctions that pack a real financial punch, delisting eight persons after a detailed review, while President Trump slaps a hefty 25 percent tariff on India for buying Russian oil, a move European allies have dodged despite their own sanctions spree.

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent didn’t mince words on "Meet the Press," taking a sharp jab at European sanction efforts. “The Europeans tell me, ‘Oh, we’re doing our 19th sanctions package.’ In my line Kristen, if you’re going to do something 19 times, you failed,” Bessent said. If 19 tries don’t cut it, maybe it’s time for a new playbook, and Bessent seems ready to write one.

Tariffs on India Spark Bold Move

Also on Sunday, Bessent revealed President Trump’s gutsy tariff decision targeting India for purchasing Russian oil. “Instead, President Trump will move forward with a bold initiative that the Europeans would not follow us on,” Bessent noted. While Europe dithers with endless sanctions rounds, Trump’s tariff sends a clear message: fund the conflict, pay the price.

Moving to Monday, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) made headlines by removing eight names—five individuals and three entities—from its sanctions roster. This isn’t a random purge; it’s a calculated step after months of scrutiny.

Among those delisted are three individuals who cut ties with Russian financier Alisher Burhanovich Usmanov, previously targeted by the Biden administration alongside the United Kingdom. It’s a reminder that sanctions aren’t forever if the circumstances shift.

Sanctions Overhaul Targets Real Impact

Undersecretary of the Treasury John Hurley doubled down on Monday, signaling a departure from past practices. “The Biden administration issued a large number of sanctions often without a clear strategic purpose,” Hurley stated. That’s a polite way of saying the old approach was more about optics than outcomes.

Hurley wasn’t done, emphasizing the new direction under Trump and Bessent. “Under President Trump and Secretary Bessent’s leadership, no longer are we issuing sanctions for the purpose of political posturing,” he added. Finally, a policy that aims to hit where it hurts—economically and strategically.

The Treasury’s fresh stance prioritizes sanctions that are financially effective and tied to national security goals. Removals, Hurley clarified, will follow thorough and lawful reviews. It’s refreshing to see a focus on results over empty gestures.

No Policy Shift on Russia, Says Treasury

A Treasury spokesperson was quick to clarify that delisting individuals doesn’t mean a softer stance on Russia. These moves stem from a multi-month review, not a change in core policy. It’s about precision, not retreat.

The spokesperson also stressed that OFAC retains the authority to both add and remove names from the sanctions list as federal law dictates. Flexibility in enforcement isn’t weakness; it’s smart governance.

Let’s not forget the context of Usmanov’s network, which faced sanctions under the previous administration. The decision to delist some associated individuals shows a willingness to reassess when ties are genuinely severed.

Europe’s Hesitation Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff on India stands in stark contrast to Europe’s reluctance to take similar action. While European nations pile on sanctions packages, they’ve shied away from punishing India’s oil purchases. It’s a curious double standard that Bessent rightly called out.

This administration’s approach seems to reject the progressive urge to sanction for the sake of appearances, focusing instead on measurable impact. If Europe’s 19th attempt hasn’t worked, perhaps it’s time they follow America’s lead with bolder economic measures.

Under Trump and Bessent, the Treasury is charting a path that prioritizes national interests over global applause. Sanctions should sting, tariffs should signal resolve, and reviews should ensure fairness. Here’s hoping this pragmatic shift cuts through the fog of political theater and delivers real security gains.