WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, which Congress authorized under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The White House published the executive order on Friday, October 16, just two days before the penalties would have taken effect. Trump informed Congress that the waiver aligns with the national interests of the United States. Although he signed the law in mid-September after broad legislative support, the order itself offered no additional explanation.
The legislation would have enabled the US to impose tariffs up to 100% within 30 days on all goods from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. Countries knowingly purchasing Russian energy 30 days post-enactment faced similar risks. The law also targeted the top five nations aiding Russia’s sanctions evasion and allowed tariffs up to 500% on Russian imports. Additionally, it imposed sanctions on foreign banks conducting substantial transactions with Russian state banks.
According to the order, the waiver remains in effect until Trump or senior officials determine that further measures are justified. Existing sanctions via executive order remain active, and the law’s Russian-related provisions are set to expire in 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated on Saturday that the law grants the president additional authority to seek peace and argued that implementing sanctions now could hinder diplomatic negotiations. The White House clarified that those powers remain available for use at any moment.
Partisan Criticism of the Waiver
The decision sparked strong reactions from Capitol Hill. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, called the move irresponsible. Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas suggested Graham would be appalled, while Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York described the diesel deal with Moscow as a deal with the devil. Among the seven Republicans opposing the bill, Representative Thomas Massie supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the step benefits only Russia and will not end the conflict.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, championed the legislation prior to his death in July. The Senate approved it 86-11 in August, with the House passing it 262-159 on September 16. Trump signed it two days afterward. The law targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet of tankers moving sanctioned oil. This marks the second time in two weeks that Trump has waived sanctions against Russia.
Russian Diesel Sales Ahead of Midterm Elections
The waiver followed Trump’s announcement a week earlier that the US would purchase Russian diesel to help ease global energy prices. The 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 US and global markets. Without the law, tariffs on Russian fuel and sanctions on the vessels transporting them would have applied.
US fuel markets remain under pressure, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The potential increase in Russian supply contributed to falling oil prices last week and also drove down the dollar index. Senators Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn urged Trump earlier in the week to cancel the diesel deal. Congress retains authority over any future sanctions removal, and these energy moves come just ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.