Sanctions were already an overused tool of foreign policy before President Trump this week peevishly signed into law a measure imposing new penalties on Russia, Iran and North Korea. The House had passed the legislation last week 419 to 3; the Senate voted 98 to 2. That’s the congressional version of a stampede. Congress also gave itself the power to review any presidential attempt to undo the Russia sanctions specifically.

Trump appended a signing statement arguing that the legislation was “seriously flawed” because it “improperly encroaches on executive power.” It’s heretical to say so, but he may be right. This legislation limits presidential flexibility at the very time it may be most needed to conduct delicate negotiations with these adversaries.