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

Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that puts on hold a new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, stating the pause was in the national interest. The legislation, named after late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, aimed to expedite the restriction of financial resources supporting the war in Ukraine.

Trump signed the law just last month, and his move came two days before the deadline for its implementation. The decision drew criticism from congressional Democrats. This unexpected move occurred a week after Trump announced that the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia in an attempt to lower global energy prices, despite potentially harming Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

A recent poll by AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran war and attribute higher prices to his administration. Due to his approval ratings hitting near-historic lows, pressure is mounting for Republicans to take action.