WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – President Donald Trump has enacted a suspension on new sanctions and tariffs against Russia that were authorized by Congress under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The White House issued this executive order on Friday, October 16, just two days prior to the scheduled implementation of the penalties. Trump informed Congress that this waiver aligned with the national interests of the United States. He signed the legislation in mid-September after it was approved by both chambers with broad support. The order did not specify any additional reasons for the decision.
According to the act, the US was set to impose tariffs reaching up to 100% within 30 days on all imports from the five largest consumers of Russian crude oil or gas. Countries that knowingly bought Russian oil or gas 30 days post-enactment faced similar risks. The five nations most aiding Russia in evading sanctions were also included. The legislation further authorized tariffs of up to 500% on all Russian goods. Additionally, it imposed sanctions on foreign banks conducting significant business with Russian state banks.
The exemption remains effective until Trump or senior officials determine that further measures are necessary, as outlined in the executive order. Previously imposed sanctions via executive order remain active, and the law’s Russia-related provisions are valid until 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers mentioned on Saturday that the act grants the president extra authority to promote peace. Rogers noted that applying sanctions at this time could impede negotiations. The White House clarified that the president retains the ability to exercise these powers at any moment.
Lawmakers from both sides criticize the waiver
The decision sparked strong reactions on Capitol Hill. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized the move, calling it beyond irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn stated that Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York labeled the diesel agreement with Moscow as a deal with the devil. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans who opposed the bill, supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that this step solely benefits Russia and will not bring an end to the conflict.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who passed away suddenly in July, was instrumental in pushing for the legislation before his death. The Senate approved the bill 86-11 in August, followed by a 262-159 vote in the House on September 16. Trump signed the legislation two days later. The law targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet of tankers that transports sanctioned oil. This marks the second time in two weeks that Trump has waived sanctions against Russia.
Russian diesel imports ahead of midterm elections
This waiver came after Trump’s announcement a week earlier that the US had agreed to purchase Russian diesel to help stabilize 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 international markets. Without the law’s restrictions, tariffs on Russian fuel products and sanctions on ships carrying them would have been enforced.
US fuel markets have been strained recently, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The prospect of additional Russian supplies also influenced oil prices last week and contributed to the decline of 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 maintains authority over any future termination of sanctions. These energy measures by the administration come ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.