DID Press: US President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of a sweeping package of new sanctions targeting Russia, telling Congress that the decision was in the national interest of the United States. The move came just two days before the sanctions were due to take effect and has drawn criticism from lawmakers.
The sanctions package, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed into law by Trump in September. It was designed to restrict financial resources supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and included measures targeting Russian officials, banks and energy traders, as well as potential tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil and gas.
Trump’s decision follows his announcement last week of an agreement to purchase diesel from Russia in an effort to ease global energy prices. The arrangement has faced criticism from lawmakers in both parties, who argue that allowing additional Russian fuel onto global markets may provide Moscow with revenue without significantly reducing fuel prices.
The suspension has also prompted criticism from congressional Democrats, who say the decision undermines the legislation’s objective of restricting funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The White House, however, has justified the move on national-interest grounds amid elevated energy prices.
The decision comes ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. An AP-NORC poll released on October 1 found that many Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the war against Iran and were concerned about rising prices, adding to the political pressure on Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress.