President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday halting the implementation of significant new sanctions against the Russian economy. This decision came after Congress passed the legislation aiming to punish Russia for its interference in the 2016 U.S. elections and its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine. Trump stated the pause was enacted in the national interest. While he signed the bill into law, the executive order suspends the most impactful aspects of the sanctions package indefinitely. This move has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who argue Trump is too lenient toward Moscow. Supporters of the President claim the delay allows for further diplomatic negotiations. The future of the sanctions remains uncertain as Trump assesses the best course forward in relation to U.S.-Russia relations.