WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – In a move announced on Friday, October 16, President Donald Trump has temporarily halted 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 released the executive order just two days before the enforcement of these penalties was scheduled to commence. Trump informed Congress that this waiver aligned with the national interests of the United States. The law was signed in mid-September after passing both chambers with broad support, though the executive order provided no additional explanation.
The legislation would have enabled the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all imports from the five leading countries purchasing Russian crude oil or gas. Countries that knowingly bought Russian energy 30 days following the law’s enactment faced similar risks. The top five nations aiding Russia in evading sanctions were also included in the law’s scope. Moreover, tariffs of up to 500% could have been levied on all Russian goods. The law also targeted foreign banks with significant dealings with Russian state banks for sanctions.
According to the order, the waiver remains effective until President Trump or senior officials determine further action is necessary. Existing sanctions imposed via executive order will stay in effect, and the law’s provisions concerning Russia are valid until 2031. On Saturday, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that the legislation provides the president with additional authority to pursue peace. She explained that applying sanctions at this moment could impede negotiations, though the White House clarified that the president can exercise those powers at any time.
Both Parties’ Lawmakers Criticize the Waiver
The decision elicited strong reactions from Capitol Hill. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis described the move as extremely irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn predicted Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York labeled the diesel arrangement with Moscow as a deal with the devil. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans opposing the bill, supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the step only benefits Russia and will not bring an end to the conflict.
The late Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, championed the legislation before his passing in July. The bill was approved by the Senate 86-11 in August, with the House following with a 262-159 vote on September 16. Trump signed it two days afterward. The law specifically targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet of tankers that transports sanctioned oil. Notably, this marks the second instance in two weeks that Trump has waived sanctions on Russia.
Pre-Midterm Fuel Purchases from Russia Underway
The waiver coincided with Trump’s earlier announcement that the US had agreed to purchase Russian diesel to ease global energy prices. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license extending 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 US and global markets. Without the law, tariffs on Russian fuel products and sanctions on ships transporting them would have been enforced.
US fuel markets have experienced strain, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The potential influx of Russian supplies also contributed to a decline in oil prices last week and helped lower the dollar index. Earlier in the week, Senators Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn urged Trump to cancel the diesel deal. Congress retains authority to block any future termination of sanctions. These energy-related moves by the administration are occurring ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.