Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions

What happened

President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving many sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Trump said he had certified to Congress that the waiver was in the national interest, as he sought more Russian diesel supplies and lower fuel prices. The law passed with bipartisan support and was signed by Trump in September. It aimed to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine by targeting Russian revenue and countries that buy Russian energy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the waiver unfortunate and urged supporters to keep pressing for sanctions. The waivers remain until Trump or the secretary of state decides further action is appropriate.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed the waiver as Trump easing pressure on Moscow while breaking with a bipartisan sanctions push.. The New York Times cast the move as an economic lifeline for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a rebuke to Congress’s intent.. It also tied the turn toward Russian fuel to Trump’s push for lower gas prices before elections..

From the right

Right-leaning outlets led with a split between Ukraine-focused alarm and a narrower defense of Trump’s waiver power.. The New York Post argued the suspension would help finance Vladimir Putin’s war as Ukrainian civilians remained under attack.. Daily Mail emphasized Trump’s energy bargain with Moscow as a bid to bring down fuel prices.. Fox Business stressed that existing Russia sanctions stayed in place..

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Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions

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What happened

How each side covered it

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