Trump pauses Russia sanctions law named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham, drawing criticism from both parties

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order putting on hold a broad package of U.S. sanctions on Russia, a law named after the late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, prompting objections from Republicans, Democrats and Ukraine's president.

According to 6abc Action News, Trump told Congress the pause served the national interest but gave no further explanation. The move came two days before a deadline written into the law for putting the sanctions into effect. Trump signed the legislation last month, the outlet reported, while The Philadelphia Inquirer, carrying a New York Times report, said it became law in September.

The law targets Russia's energy sector, a major source of money for its war in Ukraine, along with Russian oligarchs, officials and banks, according to the Inquirer. 6abc said it also aimed at a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy flowing. The Inquirer noted the law gives the White House broad authority to grant waivers, requiring only that Congress be notified.

Sen. Darline Graham, a South Carolina Republican appointed in July to succeed her brother after his death, offered mild criticism at a campaign event Saturday, the Inquirer reported. "Personally, I would choose to put the pressure on Russia to end the war and get gas prices down," she said. Graham, who is seeking a full term with Trump's endorsement, said she would raise the matter with the president when he holds a rally for her in South Carolina this week. Her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has accused her of being too closely aligned with Trump, the Inquirer said.

Other lawmakers were sharper. The Inquirer reported that Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision "beyond irresponsible," and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas wrote that Lindsey Graham would have been appalled. 6abc reported that Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat who co-drafted the bill, said Trump was ignoring most Americans, Congress and European allies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the decision unfortunate in a social media post but did not directly criticize Trump, according to 6abc. He urged supporters to speak up for the sanctions and said blocking them would encourage Russia to keep up its attacks.

The pause follows a week after the administration eased sanctions on Russian diesel, as fuel prices have become a central midterm election issue, the Inquirer reported. 6abc said Trump had announced the U.S. would buy Russian diesel to try to lower global energy prices.

Meanwhile, Russia struck more than 15 energy sites across Ukraine overnight, Zelenskyy said. Ukraine's air force reported 332 attack drones and four cruise missiles were launched, and officials said at least four people were killed, according to 6abc.

Compiled by True News from reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer and 6abc Action News. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/188