Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest

The sanctions were intended to limit Russia’s revenue streams as the country continues its war against Ukraine.

President Donald Trump waived sweeping new sanctions against Russia passed by Congress, arguing in an executive order Friday that the move “is in the national interests of the United States.”

Trump had signed the legislation, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., just last month. The bill took aim at Russia’s largest buyers of oil and gas, allowing the president to impose tariffs on goods from those countries, which may include China and India.

Passed with bipartisan support, the bill was intended to target Russia’s revenue streams as the country continues to wage its war against Ukraine. Suspending the sanctions provides Russia a financial lifeline.

Trump’s decision to put a hold on the sanctions package comes after he announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to release hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel fuel onto the global market as fuel prices soar.

Trump has expressed frustration with Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure and has blamed them for the increase in fuel costs while downplaying the impact of the Iran war on the oil market.

The decision to waive the Russia sanctions drew swift condemnation from critics in Congress.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called the move a “craven, cowardly action” in a statement.

“These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” Blumenthal said.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a staunch Ukraine ally, said “the president is prolonging the war, not ending it,” in a post on X.

Trump’s move to pause the sanctions comes as the price of diesel fuel has shot up almost 70% since the war in Iran began in February and comes less than three weeks before the midterm elections, as cost of living remains a top issue for voters.

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who co-sponsored the bill named for her late brother, has touted its success as a key part of her campaign to win a full term in his Senate seat. Graham is a fierce Trump ally, as his endorsement was critical in her GOP primary win. Graham has yet to criticize the president for his Russian oil deal or the decision to halt the sanctions.

Congress passed the legislation with strong majorities in both the House and Senate, though many Democrats opposed the bill because it granted the president new tariff powers.

The legislation states that before the administration waives the new sanctions, it must submit an unclassified report to Congress explaining its basis. In his executive order, Trump said the White House has sent the report to Capitol Hill.