U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pausing a comprehensive sanctions package aimed at the Russian economy, citing national interest as the reason. The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, was signed by Trump last month to expedite restrictions on financial flows fueling the conflict in Ukraine.
This decision comes after Trump previously mentioned a deal to purchase diesel from Russia in an attempt to lower global energy prices, despite potential implications for Ukraine. A recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed public disapproval of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict and the blame placed on him for rising prices. With Trump’s approval ratings at historic lows, the pressure is mounting as Republicans strive to maintain control of Congress in the upcoming November 3 elections.
Senator Graham, who advocated for tougher U.S. sanctions on Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, received bipartisan support posthumously, with Trump initially endorsing the legislation before pausing it on Friday. The White House did not offer an immediate explanation for how the sanctions pause serves national interests, but the decision was communicated on the White House website with a report submitted to Congress.
Amid Trump’s recent criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for failing to negotiate with Russian President Putin, the administration has stayed relatively silent following the bipartisan passage of the bill after Graham’s death. Trump’s decision to halt the sanctions also followed an announcement of an agreement with Putin for diesel supply, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats who fear it could aid Russia’s actions in Ukraine without significant impact on global fuel prices.
The suspended sanctions, a key focus for Senator Darline Graham appointed to fulfill her late brother’s term, have become a central issue in her campaign to permanently replace him in the Senate. In a recent debate with Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, Graham, endorsed by Trump, expressed pride in the legislation’s passage and noted the President’s discretion in its implementation for potential resolution of the conflict through economic measures.