NewzTrump says parts of a new law that aims to punish Moscow for its war against Ukraine are against US national interests. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest.Trump personally signed the legislation just last month and his move came just two days before a deadline set in the law itself for its implementation. Named after late South Carolina Sen.
Lindsey Graham, it had sought to clamp down more quickly on the flow of financial resources fueling the war against Ukraine.Trump's unexpected decision comes a week after he stunningly said the U.S. had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to try to bring down global energy prices, despite that potentially hurting Ukraine in its war with Russia.An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published Oct. 1 found that Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the Iran war and blame him for higher prices.
Trump's approval ratings have sunk to near-historic lows and pressure is mounting as Republicans try to hold control of both chambers of Congress after midterm elections on Nov. 3.Sanctions were seen as part of Graham's legacyGraham, a close ally and friend of the president, had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July. sanctions against Russia as a way of pressuring it to end its war in Ukraine.His colleagues in Congress responded with bipartisan support after his death and Trump attached his signature to the legislation — then changed his mind Friday.The package had been meant to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbor more than four years ago.
Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., had sought to sanction Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving.It also directed Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.Democratic Virginia Rep. Don Beyer noted on social media shortly after the announcement of the sanctions being suspended that he and others had “warned" Trump might make such a move. The veteran congressman, who spoke out against the bill as it…
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest. The US president cited national interests for his decision to sign a waiver on sanctions Congress voted to place on Russia. Trump personally signed the legislation just last month and his move came just two days before a deadline set in the law itself for its implementation.
Trump’s unexpected decision comes a week after he stunningly said the U.S. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published Oct. Sanctions were seen as part of Graham’s legacy Graham, a close ally and friend of the president, had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July.
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