Lawmakers Rebuke Trump Over Pause on Russian Sanctions
President Donald Trump paused a new sanctions package against Russia days before it was set to take effect. Members of Congress from both parties criticized the move, noting that the legislation had passed with broad bipartisan support. The decision followed Trump's recent energy arrangement with Vladimir Putin and came amid midterm election pressure.
The sanctions package had cleared the Senate 86-11 and was named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died over the summer. It aimed to penalize nations buying large volumes of Russian oil and energy, squeezing funding for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Trump waived the measure indefinitely, citing national security, just before it was to start. He had recently announced a diesel import arrangement with Putin to address U.S. gas prices before the Nov. 3 midterms. Lawmakers were away from Washington until after Election Day, leaving Congress with few immediate options. Zelensky had publicly urged supporters to push for the sanctions’ revival.
The waiver may deepen uncertainty for Ukrainian civilians facing winter attacks and for U.S. allies relying on sanctions enforcement. It could also intensify domestic political debate before midterms, as voters weigh gas prices against congressional bipartisan intent. Businesses trading Russian energy may face confusion over enforcement, while Congress’s recess could delay any legislative response. These effects remain contingent on future decisions by the administration and lawmakers.