Republican Party
The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. Founded in 1854 in opposition to the spread of slavery, it is the younger of the country's two dominant parties and is generally associated with conservatism, including lower taxes, limited federal government, and a strong national defense. The party is governed by the Republican National Committee, holds a presidential primary process to nominate its candidate, and its symbol is the elephant. It currently holds the majority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress following the 2024 elections.
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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.