Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From New Sanctions Legislation
In his executive order, Donald Trump said exempting Russia from the sanctions legislation was in the “national interest” of the United States.
President Donald Trump has waived specific sanctions and tariffs on Russia days before they were set to take effect under a recently signed law. The waiver, released by the White House, cites national interest as the reason. The law aims to intensify pressure on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, Trump's administration has been increasingly favorable towards Moscow, criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The legislation, backed primarily by late Senator Lindsey Graham, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top five buyers of Russian oil or gas. Analysts suggest that these new measures could have driven up oil prices, impacting Americans amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The waiver will remain in place until the President or White House officials decide further action is necessary.
Critics, including U.S. Representative Don Beyer, argue that the waiver supports Russian President Vladimir Putin, contradicting the law's intent to penalise Russia for its aggression in Ukraine.
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