Trump Waives Sanctions on Russia, Drawing Outrage from Congress

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that were scheduled to take effect this week.

The decision drew immediate outrage from members of Congress, who had overwhelmingly passed the legislation in a bipartisan display of support for Ukraine. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the move, calling it beyond irresponsible and unconscionable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the decision seems wrong and definitely helps only the Russians, warning it could embolden Moscow's aggression.

The waived sanctions were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, named for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump stated the waiver is in the national interest of the U.S. and that enforcing the sanctions would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. White House spokespersons indicated the President retains the ability to exercise these authorities if he determines it advances national interests.

The waiver nullifies a 100% tariff on the five largest importers of Russian fossil fuels and a 500% tariff on Russian goods until senior administration officials determine further action is appropriate. Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, praised the waiver. The move comes as Trump seeks to curb high gas prices ahead of the midterm elections on November 3.