Secretary of State
The Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, the federal executive department responsible for the country's foreign policy and international relations. The officeholder is a member of the President's Cabinet, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Secretary of State leads the foreign service, represents the United States in dealings with foreign governments, and oversees the work of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
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Trump suspends 'Graham Law' sanctions on Russia days before deadline
On October 16, 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the application of sanctions, restrictions and tariffs against Russia mandated by the so-called "Graham Law," using a waiver provision of the law and certifying to Congress that the waiver serves US national interests. The order formally establishes the tariffs but holds them in abeyance, leaving Trump the option to activate them later. The suspension comes ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and against a backdrop of record-high US diesel prices and a Russian diesel supply deal announced earlier in October.