Trump Waives Russia Sanctions Citing National Interest, Drawing Bipartisan Backlash

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Oct. 16, waiving key provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The decision suspends new tariffs and sanctions targeting Russia and its major energy buyers just two days before they were scheduled to take effect. Trump stated in the order that the waiver "is in the national interests of the United States."

Suspension of Tariffs and Sanctions

The executive order halts the implementation of additional duties of up to 500% on goods imported from Russia. It also suspends tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, a category that includes countries such as China and India. The legislation, signed into law by Trump on Sept. 18, was designed to cut the energy revenues sustaining Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to the order, the waivers will remain in effect until the Trump administration determines that "further action is appropriate." The order does not remove restrictions already imposed under separate executive authorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, stating that the president wanted a "60-day period of time to sort of analyze what imposing both sanctions and tariffs will mean to the global economy and even to the US economy."

Reactions from Ukraine and Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the move, particularly as Russia carried out significant attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. "At a time when the Russians have carried out such a massive attack on our energy sector, a decision was unfortunately made in America to completely disregard the Lindsey Graham Act," Zelensky said. He added that the decision "only helps the Russians" and fuels their desire to continue the war.

In contrast, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and Putin’s economy envoy, hailed the waiver as "an important and truly historic moment." He stated on X that "economic cooperation between Russia and the United States serves the interest of both nations."

Bipartisan Criticism in Washington

The waiver triggered backlash from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat who helped draft the bill, said, "These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin." Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican, called the move "beyond irresponsible" and criticized Trump for "capitulating to a Russian dictator."

Sen. Darline Graham, who was appointed to her late brother’s seat and co-sponsored the bill, expressed disagreement with the president. "I would choose to keep the pressure on Russia to end the war and get the gas prices down because I don't trust Putin and I don't trust Russia," she said. Rep. Don Bacon, also a Republican, stated that Trump "is prolonging the war, not ending it."

Why it matters

The waiver comes amid rising fuel prices in the US, which Trump has linked to the war in Iran and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. The decision follows a recent agreement to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports, a move critics argue provides Moscow with a financial lifeline. The suspension of the Graham Act highlights tensions between the executive branch and Congress over foreign policy and sanctions enforcement, as well as the deteriorating relationship between Washington and Kyiv.

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Sources

• cnn.com: Trump waives Russia-related sanctions before they kick in, prompting backlash from Ukraine and US lawmakers | CNN
• cnbc.com: Trump waives Russia-linked sanctions, citing national interest
• nbcwashington.com: Trump puts new Russia sanctions on hold – NBC4 Washington
• apnews.com: Trump puts new Russia sanctions he recently signed on hold | AP News
• newscord.org: Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions on Russia, Faces Bipartisan Backlash From Schumer and Beyer: how 7 outlets framed it | NewsCord
• kyivpost.com: Trump Halts Sweeping Russia Sanctions Days Before They Take Effect, Citing US National Interest

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.