Trump signs executive order exempting Russia from sanctions, drawing bipartisan backlash

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday night exempting Russia from a congressionally passed sanctions package, just two days before the penalties were set to take effect, drawing immediate bipartisan criticism. The law, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, targeted Russian officials, oligarchs, and banks to cut off funding for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a co-author, accused Trump of siding with a "bloodthirsty thug" and said the waivers serve only to appease Vladimir Putin. Former officials and commentators echoed the condemnation, calling the move a betrayal of Ukraine and American values. Critics also viewed it as a final dishonor to Graham, with some questioning Trump's motives and describing the action as traitorous and embarrassing.