Trump waives Russia sanctions ordered by law named for Lindsey Graham
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that waived the sweeping Russian sanctions and tariffs enacted by the bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
TL;DR
- President Trump signed an executive order waiving Russian sanctions enacted by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
- Trump stated the waiver is in the U.S. national interest and submitted a certification to Congress.
- This decision follows a U.S. deal to purchase Russian diesel, which drew bipartisan criticism.
- The waiver occurs amidst disagreements between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky regarding strikes on Russian oil refineries.
- The waived legislation would have imposed 100% tariffs on goods from nations buying Russian crude oil and 500% tariffs on U.S. imports of Russian goods.
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticized the waiver as a failure of leadership that enables Russia's aggression.
- There are also disputes over alleged U.S. limitations on Ukraine's access to a satellite network.