The White House on Saturday defended President Trump's order pausing most of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, saying enforcement now would set back peace talks, as lawmakers in both parties criticized the move. "Enforcing the sanctions provisions now would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia," spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said, adding that Trump "retains the ability to exercise these authorities at any time if he determines that doing so would advance national interests."
Trump signed the waiver late Friday, as ProfiloPolitics reported. "President Trump has been clear that he wants to see this brutal war come to an end," Rogers said. "As talks continue, this Act provides the President with additional authorities to pursue a peaceful resolution."
Several Republicans pushed back. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called it "beyond irresponsible." Sen. John Cornyn of Texas posted: "Lindsey would be appalled." Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas told Fox News, "I wish the president hadn't done it. I think it was a mistake," while saying Trump is "understandably" focused on diesel and gas prices.
Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Trump's lame-duck agenda is "dead" because "many of us won't fund these things knowing he is propping up a dictator's invasion." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called it Trump's "deal with the devil."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision "definitely helps only the Russians." Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina, Lindsey Graham's sister, told the Associated Press she shares Trump's goal of ending the war and lowering fuel prices and that using the law is his call, but "personally, I would choose to keep the pressure on Russia."
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signs the guestbook at the White House, Oct. 17, 2025. Official White House photo by Daniel Torok (public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
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