Trump signs bill imposing sanctions on Russia and giving him more power to levy tariffs

The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was signed into law on Friday by United States President Donald Trump, following its bipartisan approval in the House of Representatives two days prior. The legislation aims to apply stringent sanctions on Russia, with the ultimate goal of compelling the nation to cease its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Trump's signature on the bill comes amid apprehensions that it grants him excessive power.

Critics argue that the act allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on buyers of Russian energy, including China, and on other countries that facilitate Moscow's efforts to circumvent the embargo. The bill, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to diminish Russia's capacity to fund the war by targeting its oil and natural gas revenues, as well as nations that continue to purchase Russian energy.

The legislation directs new sanctions on Russian political and military officials, foreign networks aiding Russia's war efforts, and its fleet of "shadow tankers" that have enabled the country to continue shipping crude despite existing sanctions on its energy exports.

The Trump administration initially held reservations about imposing additional sanctions on Moscow due to previous attempts to end the four and a half-year conflict with Ukraine having reached an impasse. However, the administration shifted its stance after these endeavors proved unsuccessful. While the bill has won support from many Republicans, it has been criticized by Democrats for granting Trump broad discretion over its implementation, allowing him to levy tariffs and waive sanctions provisions as he sees fit.

This has raised concerns about Trump's potential abuse of power, as the legislation potentially contradicts a 1977 Supreme Court ruling that prohibits him from exercising such wide-ranging authority.