Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest

U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that puts a new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy on hold, citing national interest. The legislation, named after late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, aimed to expedite the clamping down on financial resources supporting the war against Ukraine. The president personally signed the law just last month, defying a two-day deadline set within the law itself for its implementation.

This move has drawn sharp condemnation from congressional Democrats. Trump's decision occurred a week after he announced that the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia in an attempt to lower global energy prices, despite this potentially negatively impacting Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. A recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the Iran war and hold him responsible for rising prices.

Trump's own approval ratings have plummeted to near-historic lows, with mounting pressure on Republicans to address the situation.