WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – Amid ongoing tensions and shifting policy priorities, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order halting the enforcement of new sanctions and tariffs on Russia, which Congress had authorized under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The White House made the announcement on Friday, October 16, just two days before the scheduled implementation of these penalties. Trump informed Congress that granting this waiver served the national interests of the United States. The law was signed by Trump in mid-September, having passed both chambers with broad support. The executive order did not provide additional explanations for the decision.
The legislation would have allowed the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on all imports from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas. Countries that knowingly purchased Russian oil or gas 30 days post-enactment would have faced the same tariffs. The law also targeted the five nations most active in helping Russia evade sanctions. Additionally, it authorized tariffs of up to 500% on all Russian-origin goods. It further imposed sanctions on foreign financial institutions engaged significantly with Russian state banks.
According to the executive order, the current waiver remains in effect until Trump or senior officials determine that further measures are warranted. Existing sanctions issued through executive order stay active, and the law’s provisions targeting Russia remain in effect until 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated on Saturday that the act provides the president with additional authority to promote peace. She explained that applying sanctions at this stage could obstruct diplomatic negotiations. The White House emphasized that the president retains the ability to activate those powers whenever necessary.
Both parties’ lawmakers criticize the waiver
The decision sparked strong reactions across Capitol Hill. North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized the move as irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn remarked that Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York described the diesel arrangement with Moscow as a deal with the devil. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans opposing the bill, expressed support for the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued 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, was a leading advocate for the legislation before his sudden death in July. The Senate approved the bill 86-11 in August, followed by a House vote of 262-159 on September 16. Trump signed the bill two days later. The legislation targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial entities, and the shadow fleet of tankers transporting sanctioned oil. This marks the second time in two weeks that Trump has waived sanctions on Russia.
Pre-midterm diesel purchases from Russia amid waiver
The waiver came shortly after Trump announced that the US had agreed to buy Russian diesel to help stabilize global energy prices. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license valid 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. If not for the law, tariffs on Russian fuel products and sanctions on the ships transporting them would have been enforced.
US fuel markets have faced significant pressure, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The potential increase in Russian supply contributed to declining oil prices last week and also impacted the dollar index. Senators Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn had previously urged Trump to cancel the diesel deal. Congress retains authority to block any future termination of sanctions, with the administration’s energy moves occurring ahead of the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.