Trump pauses Russia sanctions for 60-day economic review

President Donald Trump has waived sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia for 60 days to analyze their impact on the global and US economies, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio said the pause allows analysis of how the restrictions, which target Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions, affect global energy prices amid conflicts including the US war on Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Trump defended the decision as beneficial for the country. The move, signed Friday two days before the law took effect, drew sharp bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, with Senator Thom Tillis calling it "beyond irresponsible." Trump struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to allow Russian diesel exports in exchange for easing sanctions, as high fuel prices loom over upcoming midterm elections.