Trump signs Russia sanctions into law, heightens tension

President Trump signed legislation on Wednesday imposing sanctions on Russia and limiting his own authority to lift them, a measure that has already escalated tension with the Russian government and produced retaliation against the American embassy there, reports The New York Times.

The White House announced last Friday that Mr. Trump would sign the bill, which passed both houses with near-unanimous, bipartisan majorities that would easily override any veto.

Without even waiting for him to act, Russia seized two United States diplomatic properties and ordered the American embassy and consulates to reduce its overall staff by 755 people, which will mostly be Russian nationals employed by the United States.