Trump enacts sanctions on Russia with tariffs reaching 100 percent

The Hill reports President Trump signed a Russia sanctions law authorizing tariffs up to 100 percent, despite Democratic warnings about higher costs for Americans.

The measure became law Friday after passing both chambers of Congress by large margins. Trump had held it back for months while seeking more freedom to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The law gives Trump another way to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine. It targets Russian energy buyers and countries that help Russia evade existing sanctions.

Late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina championed the bill and drafted it with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The measure was named for Graham.

Its passage marked another major bill moving from Congress to Trump’s desk, much like the recent bipartisan funding measure. In both cases, lawmakers had to record their positions before the president acted.

Tariffs can reach 100 percent against Russian energy buyers

The new law authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent against the five largest purchasers of Russian energy. It also covers countries that help Russia get around sanctions and extends current sanctions on Iran.

Graham and Blumenthal intended the penalties to cut into the resources Putin needs to continue Moscow’s war effort. Trump’s earlier delay reflected his desire to keep room for direct negotiations.

That balance between legislation and presidential discretion depends on a functioning White House legislative operation. Congress set out broad economic tools, while Trump retained responsibility for using them as part of his foreign policy.

Democratic opposition centered on the tariff authority. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York voted against the measure even though it cleared Congress with broad support.

The Hill quoted Jeffries explaining his vote:

“Life is way too expensive in the United States of America. Why in the world would this Congress or the People’s House give this president unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world that will have an adverse economic impact on the American people?”

Tariff costs deserve scrutiny, but Jeffries opposed a tool aimed at countries financing Russia through energy purchases or helping Moscow avoid sanctions. Most members of Congress reached a different conclusion.

The large margins also show that party labels do not settle every major Trump policy question. A recent Democratic break with party offered another example of lawmakers looking beyond the standard partisan line.

Zelensky urges Trump to enforce the sanctions swiftly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump after the signing and called the law “critically important.” He also thanked House and Senate members who supported it and urged full, swift enforcement.

Zelensky said honoring Graham’s memory required putting the law’s provisions into effect. He described peace as the reward for those helping pressure Russia to end the war.

The signing followed diplomatic efforts by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. They visited Moscow and Kyiv in September, and a ceasefire was called for the weekend of their visit.

Witkoff said the United States believed trilateral talks could produce a “good resolution” to the Ukraine war. Trump now has both negotiations and new economic authority available as his administration deals with Moscow.

Congress supplied the pressure, and Trump kept control of the strategy. Accountability now means using that authority with discipline while keeping America’s interests first.