Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, saying waiver is in US national interest

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to put a new sanctions package targeting Russia's economy on hold, stating that the pause was in the national interest, according to the Associated Press. The sanctions, named after late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, aimed to curb financial resources supporting the war against Ukraine.

The decision to suspend the sanctions comes a week after Trump announced plans to purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices, despite potentially harming Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll from October found that Americans disapproved of Trump's handling of the Iran war and blamed him for higher prices, with his approval ratings near historic lows.

The White House did not clarify how pausing the sanctions benefited the nation. The decision was made public on the White House website, with a note that the explanation had been submitted to Congress. This move follows Trump's recent strike a deal with Putin for over 1 million tons of diesel, which critics argue will bolster Russia's war efforts against Ukraine without affecting global fuel prices, as prices are largely influenced by Trump's Iran sanctions.