WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – President Donald Trump has halted new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, which Congress had approved under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The White House issued the executive order on Friday, October 16, just two days before the penalties were scheduled to take effect. Trump informed Congress that the waiver was in the national interests of the United States. He signed the law in mid-September after broad support from both chambers. The executive order provided no additional explanation.
The act would have enabled the U.S. to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all imports from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or gas. Countries that knowingly purchased Russian oil or gas 30 days after the law’s enactment would have faced the same tariffs. The top five nations aiding Russia in evading sanctions were also included. Additionally, the law permitted tariffs of up to 500% on all Russian goods. It imposed sanctions on foreign banks that conduct significant business with Russian state banks.
According to the order, the waiver remains effective until Trump or senior officials decide further measures are necessary. Existing sanctions imposed by executive order stay in effect, and the law’s Russia-related provisions are valid until 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Saturday that the act grants the president extra authority to pursue peace. She noted that applying sanctions now would obstruct negotiations. The White House confirmed that the president can exercise these powers at any time.
Lawmakers from both sides criticize the waiver
The decision prompted strong reactions on Capitol Hill. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, called the move beyond irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn said Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York described the diesel deal with Moscow as a deal with the devil. Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans opposing the bill, supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the step benefits only Russia and will not bring an end to the war.
Late Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, led efforts to push for this legislation before his sudden death in July. The Senate approved the bill 86-11 in August, followed by a 262-159 vote in the House on September 16. Trump signed the bill two days later. The law targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet of tankers transporting sanctioned oil. This marks the second time in two weeks that Trump has waived Russia sanctions.
Russian diesel purchases pre-midterm boost
The waiver came after Trump announced a week earlier that the U.S. would buy Russian diesel to help lower global energy costs. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license through April, covering the sale, delivery, and import of Russian diesel. Russia is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel to the U.S. and international markets. Without the law, tariffs on Russian fuel and sanctions on ships carrying it would have been required.
U.S. fuel markets have been strained, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The potential influx of Russian supply also influenced oil prices last week and contributed to a decline in the dollar index. Several senators, including Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn, urged Trump earlier this week to cancel the diesel deal. Congress retains the power to block any future termination of sanctions. The administration’s energy moves are timed ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.