Trump Halts New Russia Sanctions
President cited national interest in placing new sanctions passed by Congress on hold.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the U.S. national interest.
Trump had personally signed the legislation, named after the late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, just last month. The bill sought to clamp down more quickly on the flow of financial resources fueling Russia's war against Ukraine.
The White House did not immediately explain how pausing the sanctions was in the national interest. The decision was posted on the White House website late Friday, accompanied by a notification that a report explaining the decision had been submitted to Congress.
This unexpected move comes a week after Trump announced the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia, stating the goal was to bring down global energy prices. That decision drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, who argued it could inadvertently aid Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
Graham, who died in July, had advocated for stricter U.S. sanctions against Russia to pressure an end to its war in Ukraine. His colleagues in Congress responded with bipartisan support following his death, and Trump signed the legislation before changing his mind.
Trump has also increasingly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming him for failing to reach a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The sanctions that Trump has now suspended had become a campaign centerpiece for Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister. Appointed to serve out the remaining months of her brother's term, she is now running to replace him in the Senate. Graham, who has Trump’s endorsement, has expressed pride in helping to pass the sanctions measure, while acknowledging the president’s purview in its implementation. She stated during a debate that the sanctions provide the president with tools to end the war through economic pressure, with the ultimate aims of lowering gas prices and ending the conflict.