Trump waives Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect
US President Donald Trump uses executive authority to block numerous Russia sanctions passed by Congress, sparking a bipartisan backlash.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Donald Trump uses executive authority to block several new Russia sanctions.
- The sanctions law is named after late Senator Lindsey Graham.
- Trump plans to import Russian diesel to lower energy prices before midterms.
- The move has triggered sharp criticism from lawmakers and Western allies.
US President Donald Trump has utilized his presidential authority to block numerous sanctions on Russia that were recently enacted by the US Congress to punish the country for its ongoing war in Ukraine. In an executive order issued on Friday night, Trump maintained that withholding certain sanctions aligns with the national interests of the United States, following his signing of the sanctions bill into law back in September.
This development unfolds just days after Trump announced plans for the US to import Russian diesel in an effort to drive down domestic energy prices ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The proposal shocked lawmakers on Capitol Hill and immediately provoked a strong bipartisan backlash across Washington.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The US sanctions legislation is named in honor of the late Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11 after serving as one of Ukraine's firmest defenders. The law was designed to target Russia's economy by granting Trump broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, primarily China and India.
Trump's decision to waive portions of the sanctions package and pursue energy deals with Moscow underscores the delicate balancing act between domestic political pressures, such as soaring fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections, and maintaining a unified international front against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Earlier on Thursday, a bipartisan group of 20 US lawmakers issued a formal letter urging Trump to fully implement the new law scheduled to take effect. Meanwhile, Democratic figures such as Virginia Representative Don Beyer sharply criticized the administration's actions, accusing the president of capitulating to Moscow and turning his back on Kyiv and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Source: BBC World
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