CNN: Trump prepared to support Graham's 'hellish sanctions' on Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly ready to back a significant sanctions bill against Russia, a legislative effort spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. This move could accelerate the consideration of a bill that Graham had been developing for several years.

Last week, Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal announced that the U.S. administration had agreed to support the bill after extensive negotiations. However, it remained uncertain whether Trump himself would approve the measure, as he has historically preferred to retain discretion over imposing sanctions.

Senate Republican leader John Thune indicated that the White House had worked closely with Graham on the bill's drafting. Thune expressed optimism about securing bipartisan support in the Senate, acknowledging that the legislation would require backing from both Democrats and Republicans. He described the bill as one of Graham's most significant recent endeavors and potentially his political legacy.

Senator Blumenthal stated his intention to discuss the bill's finalization and the search for a new Republican co-author following Graham's death with Senate leadership soon. The proposed sanctions package would grant Trump the authority to impose substantial tariffs on imports from nations that buy Russian oil, uranium, and natural gas. The objective is to further weaken Russia as its war against Ukraine continues.

Blumenthal remarked that the swift passage of this bill in Senator Graham's memory would be a fitting tribute, recalling his last conversation with Graham the previous weekend. Senator Graham, a Republican, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of July 11. The day before his death, while visiting Kyiv, he had stated that his proposed sanctions bill against Russia would provide the U.S. president with additional tools to help end the war in Ukraine more quickly.

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Swift passage of this bill in Senator Graham's memory would be a fitting tribute. That is what we talked about the last time I spoke with him last weekend.