Trump pauses new Russia sanctions for a 60-day review

President Donald Trump has used a national-interest waiver to pause major Russia sanctions and related tariffs that were due to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The White House order leaves earlier sanctions in place but suspends new measures created by the law, including provisions aimed at Russian energy and defence activity and countries buying Russian oil or gas.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump wanted up to 60 days to assess how the additional sanctions and tariffs would affect the United States and global economy. The executive order itself does not state a 60-day limit, making Rubio’s explanation the clearest public timetable. Congress passed the law with large bipartisan majorities, and lawmakers from both parties criticised the waiver.

The decision is a pause and review, not a repeal of the statute. The law permits waivers when the president certifies that they serve the national interest and reports the basis to Congress. What follows depends on whether the administration allows the review period to expire, extends the waiver or begins applying the measures. Until then, the economic pressure Congress intended has been delayed while existing Russia sanctions continue.