Political Scientist: Trump's Halt of Russia Sanctions Law Is a Betrayal of Democracy

US President Donald Trump has suspended a law, adopted a month ago, imposing broad sanctions and new customs tariffs on Russia, doing so shortly before it was due to take effect. Latvian political scientist Kārlis Daukšts told the news agency LETA that the decision puts Trump on the side of authoritarianism and, to some extent, betrays democracy.

What was suspended

On 18 September Trump signed the bill, which the US Congress had passed as a means of pressuring Russia over its war against Ukraine. The law provided that the sanctions and tariffs would take effect automatically within 30 days of signing unless the president decided otherwise. Under an executive order published on Friday, the new measures are suspended until further notice. Trump explained the decision as being in "US national interests".

The sanctions would target Russia's energy and defence sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, and Moscow's "shadow fleet" of tankers used to evade Western sanctions. Trump would also gain the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China, to cut Moscow's revenue that funds the war. The law also targets companies and foreign actors supporting the Russian army and expands sanctions against Iran. It is named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who had pushed for its adoption since April 2025 and died in July this year.

The political scientist's assessment

Quoting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Daukšts described the decision as a form of betrayal of both Ukraine and democracy. In his view, it creates tension within both of the largest US parties. Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump needs to present himself as a strong leader and defender of democracy, he said, but that contradicts his actions. The political scientist believes that yielding to Putin does not leave a positive impression at home.

Asked about the impact on Europe, Daukšts pointed to extensive discussions between European Union and NATO leaders. Following a speech by US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's commander in Europe, at the Warsaw summit, contradictions inside the US Department of Defence, also called the Department of War, appear to exist. Whether they will affect Ukraine is hard to predict, he said.