Trump Signs the 'Lindsey Graham' Bill Aimed at 'Punishing Russia and Pressuring Putin'.. What Do We Know About It?

- On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a bill aimed at imposing sanctions on Russia. The White House announced the signing of the bill through its website in the "Briefings and Statements" section, clarifying that it pertains to the legislation known as the "Lindsey Graham Act to Impose Sanctions on Russia and Iran for 2026" - which authorizes and expands the scope of legal sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitive measures imposed on Russia, as well as extending existing sanctions on Iran.

The bill, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham who was one of its most prominent supporters, targets the Russian energy sector and aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a settlement with Ukraine to end the war. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday with a majority of 262 votes in favor and 159 against, with dozens of Democrats voting for it.

The legislation imposes mandatory sanctions on prominent figures in the Russian government, including Putin, as well as Russian oligarchs (influential businessmen), state-owned companies, and foreign companies that support the Russian defense industrial base. However, despite the eagerness of many Democrats and Republicans to target Moscow, some critics express concern that the bill also grants Trump greater powers to impose new and comprehensive tariffs, according to sources previously reported by Afaq News.

Under the new tariff imposition powers included in the legislation, the Trump administration can impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas - including China and India - a move that critics believe could cause a massive shock to the economy.