White House Defends Waiver of Russian Sanctions Amid Congressional Outrage

The White House has defended President Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia, stating that enforcing the statutory Graham Act sanctions and tariffs would hinder U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. This move has sparked outrage among members of Congress from both parties, who had overwhelmingly passed the legislation to support Ukraine. Lawmakers criticized the executive order, which was issued late Friday, as a step that draws the United States closer to Russia.