Trump suspends new Russia sanctions following deal to purchase diesel, citing ‘national interests’

President Donald Trump suspended sweeping new sanctions against Russia passed by Congress, arguing in an executive order Friday that the move “is in the national interests of the United States.”

Trump had signed the legislation, named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., just last month. The bill was crafted to take aim at Russia’s largest buyers of oil and gas, as it allowed the president to impose tariffs on goods from those countries, including China and India.

The bill, passed with bipartisan support, was intended to cut down on Russia’s revenue streams as it continues to fund the war against Ukraine.

Trump’s decision to put a hold on the sanctions package comes after he announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to release hundreds of tons of Russian diesel fuel onto the global market as prices soar.

The president quickly faced backlash over the deal, including from Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who told NBC News over the weekend that he believes “there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law.”

“We were very clear that Russia is the aggressor,” Tillis said. “Russia is the one who can end this war by backing out…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business