Congress passed the Russia sanctions bill named for Lindsey Graham with bipartisan support. Trump just put it on hold a month after signing it
Trump's unexpected decision comes a week after he stunningly said the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia.
President Donald Trump signed a bill containing a Russia sanctions package named after late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham on Friday, but immediately put it on hold a month later. The legislation aimed to restrict financial resources supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. Graham, a close ally and friend of Trump, had recently returned from Ukraine before his unexpected death in July.
Though the bill received bipartisan support in Congress, Trump's decision to halt the sanctions drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The move comes amid declining support for Trump's handling of the Iran war and rising pressure as Republicans aim to retain control of Congress during the upcoming midterm elections on November 3.
Critics argue that the suspended sanctions could benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and exacerbate the conflict in Ukraine, while also potentially aiding Russia's control of global fuel prices.
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