Donald Trump suspends new Russia sanctions and tariffs

President Donald Trump has issued a decree suspending key measures of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The act, signed in September, was intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow due to the war in Ukraine by implementing a 500 percent tariff on Russian goods and potential 100 percent tariffs on countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

Trump stated in the decree that the suspension is “in the national interest of the United States.” While the decree implements the provisions of the law, it halts the new tariffs before they could take effect on October 18. The suspension does not affect existing sanctions imposed under previous decrees.

The decision has faced opposition from several Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that he had warned the White House about possible “unintended consequences” of the move, as lawmakers urge the administration to maintain economic pressure on Russia.