Trump suspends Russia sanctions law named for Lindsey Graham

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday suspending a sweeping Russia sanctions package named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, citing national interest, just two days before the law's implementation deadline and a month after signing it. The bipartisan bill, which also included Sen. Richard Blumenthal, aimed to sanction Russian officials, banks, and a shadow tanker fleet, and direct tariffs on major importers of Russian energy. Trump's pause drew sharp Democratic criticism, with Blumenthal accusing him of "sucking up to Vladimir Putin" and Rep. Don Beyer calling for Congress to fix the law. The decision follows Trump's announcement that the U.S. agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to lower global energy prices. Sen. Darline Graham, Lindsey's sister and successor, said implementation was the president's purview, while Trump faces low approval ratings and pressure ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.