President Trump Signs Bill Sanctioning Russia, Iran, North Korea

WASHINGTON, DC — President Trump signed a bill sanctioning Russia, North Korea and Iran Wednesday while maintaining significant doubts about it and despite the fact that the legislation will limit his discretion in foreign policy.

The bill made its way to the president Friday night, when officials said he intended to sign it. On Tuesday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the official signing had been delayed for legal review, though she confirmed that he would approve the legislation.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the new sanctions with overwhelming bipartisan support. Trump, who has repeatedly said that he wants to have a friendlier relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin than his predecessor had, was reportedly reluctant to sign the bill into law. With such strong support in both chambers of Congress, though, a White House veto could have easily been overturned. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Over the weekend, Putin announced that he would expel more than 700 American diplomats from Russia in response to sanctions ordered by President Obama. Trump has not commented on this response.

Putin may yet order additional retaliatory measures prompted by the legislation signed Wednesday.

In a signing statement attached to the law, which has no legal authority, Trump said he will follow the law as written despite having concerns that some of its provisions may be unconstitutional. These concerns come, in part, because of the way it limits the president's powers to unilaterally modify the sanctions.

"Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies," Trump wrote. "The bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together. " [sic]

He continued: "Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity."

This story is being updated.

Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images