WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended new sanctions and tariffs on Russia that were approved by Congress 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 planned implementation of the penalties. Trump informed Congress that the waiver was in the national interests of the United States. The law, which he signed in mid-September after broad bipartisan support, was passed by both chambers with large margins. The order provided no additional explanation.
According to the law, the US was set to impose tariffs up to 100% within 30 days on all goods 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 face similar risks. The top five nations aiding Russia in evading sanctions were also included. The legislation further authorized tariffs up to 500% on all Russian imports. It also targeted foreign banks engaging in significant transactions with Russian state banks.
The executive order states that the waiver remains in effect until Trump or senior officials determine that further action is warranted. Existing sanctions imposed by executive order stay in force, and the law’s provisions related to Russia are valid until 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers explained on Saturday that the law grants the president additional authority to promote peace. Rogers mentioned that enforcing sanctions now could hinder diplomatic negotiations. The White House clarified that the president still retains the power to activate those measures at any time.
Criticism from lawmakers across party lines over the waiver
The decision drew strong reactions on Capitol Hill. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the move beyond irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn stated that Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York described the deal with Moscow as a bargain with the devil. Among opponents was Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans who opposed the bill, who supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that the measure only benefits Russia and will not bring an end to the war.
Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and late senator, championed the legislation prior to his sudden death in July. The Senate approved the bill 86-11 in August, with the House passing it 262-159 on September 16. Trump signed the law two days afterward. The legislation targets Russian officials and oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet of tankers transporting sanctioned oil. This marks the second time in two weeks that Trump has waived sanctions against Russia.
Russian diesel sales prior to midterm elections
The waiver followed Trump’s announcement a week earlier that the US had agreed to purchase Russian diesel to help lower global energy prices. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license through April, permitting the sale, delivery, and import of Russian diesel. Russia is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel to the US and international markets. Without the law, tariffs on Russian fuel products and sanctions on ships carrying them would have been enforced.
US fuel markets have been under pressure, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The potential increase in Russian supply contributed to lower oil prices last week and also influenced the dollar index. Earlier in the week, Senators Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn urged Trump to rescind the diesel agreement. Congress retains authority to block any future termination of sanctions. The administration’s energy initiatives are happening ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.