Trump waives new Russia sanctions passed by Congress, citing ‘national interests’
The order halts tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy and leaves earlier sanctions in place.
- On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving various sanctions and duties on Russia established by the Graham Act, days before these measures were set to take effect.
- Trump signed the Graham Act on September 18, 2026, aiming to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major importers of Russian crude oil or gas and targeting countries facilitating sanctions evasion.
- The executive order waives specified provisions under Sections 102 through 117 of the law, while Trump directed the Trade Representative to monitor ongoing purchases of Russian energy and report circumstances indicating further action may be needed.
- Administration officials stated the waivers serve the national interest of the United States, though the decision faces criticism from lawmakers concerned that easing restrictions could provide revenue to Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.
- The administration retains authority to reinstate measures if needed, while future tariff provisions target countries that knowingly make new purchases of Russian crude oil or gas on or after October 18, 2026.
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657 Articles
Trump Blocks Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Just Weeks After Signing Them Into Law
US President Donald Trump has blocked the implementation of sweeping sanctions and tariffs against Russia and buyers of Russian energy under a law championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, just weeks after signing the legislation himself.
The measures had been approved by Congress a month ago. This decision represents a new turn in favor of the Kremlin and against Zelenski.
On Friday 16 October, Donald Trump signed a decree annulling the application of the Graham Act, a text voted in Congress that provides for new sanctions against Russia. Moscow welcomed this decision, calling for a preference for "dialogue and cooperation" over "sanctions and confrontation". This decision occurs in a context of increasing tensions between Washington and Kiev. - Donald Trump exempts Russia from new sanctions, Moscow welcomes a "hi…
Trump’s suspension of new Russia sanctions draws criticism over Putin ties
US President Donald Trump has suspended the implementation of a sweeping package of sanctions against Russia that he signed into law last month, saying the decision was in the national interest. Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, 2026, just two days before the sanctions were due to take effect, according to Al […] Trump’s suspension of new Russia sanctions draws criticism over Putin ties
The White House avoids personal sanctions to Putin and his family, and disarms the gun pointed at China and India: 100% of duties to the major Russian oil importers, and therefore funders of the Kremlin war machine
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