Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and Tariffs in Graham Act Two Days Before They Were Due to Start, Citing U.S. National Interest
Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the order. The White House said enforcing the measures now would hurt peace talks. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky tied the move to a large Russian strike on Ukraine's power grid.
Two days before the deadline, the law was set aside
Late on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order. It waived nearly all of the Russia-related sanctions and tariffs in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026[1][22]. The measures were due to start on Oct. 18, two days later[1].
Trump had signed that law himself in September[1]. Lawmakers who wanted more pressure on Moscow had pushed for it[2][14]. So the same president signed the law and then waived it. Both facts are on the record, and the dispute grows out of the gap between them.
The order says that holding off serves the U.S. national interest. It rests on a waiver written into the law itself, under Section 115. Trump also sent Congress a certification[11][18].
What the law would have done
The law is named for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). He was a strong supporter of Ukraine and died on July 11, 2026[1].
Its biggest weapon was not a tax on Russian oil. It called for tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods. It also called for tariffs of up to 100% on all goods from the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas. That group includes India and China[1][18].
A tariff is a tax paid when goods enter the U.S. A 100% tariff roughly doubles the cost of an Indian or Chinese product for the American company that imports it. The aim is to make buying Russian oil too costly, which would cut Russia's income. But the first bill lands on U.S. importers and on partners like India. And if buyers stop taking Russian oil, world supply shrinks and fuel prices can rise[14][15].
The order waives every operative Russia section. That includes penalties on the top five countries helping Russia evade oil sanctions. It also covers foreign banks that do major business with Russian state banks[1][16]. Sanctions already in force stay in place. The order also keeps provisions for tracking Russian energy purchases[15].
The White House case: a threat in reserve
The White House says it is not abandoning the goal. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said enforcing the sanctions now "would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia." She added that the president "retains the ability to exercise these authorities at any time" if he decides that serves U.S. interests[11].
The logic is about leverage. A threat held in reserve gives negotiators something to offer or to hold over the talks. Using it all at once could leave nothing in hand.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a second reason. Trump wants up to 60 days to study what the tariffs would do to the U.S. and global economies. Rubio named India as an important partner that relies heavily on Russian oil[14].
There is also a price angle. The Washington Examiner reported that this was the second time in about two weeks that Trump eased Russia sanctions. It said he was turning to Putin for help with high diesel prices[16]. The administration's incentives are easy to see. It wants the talks to continue. It wants fuel costs to stay down. It wants to avoid a trade fight with India and China[14][17][18].
Critics: pressure only works if it's applied
Criticism came from both parties. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) wrote that the late Graham "would be appalled." Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the decision "beyond irresponsible"[9].
Tillis also asked what part of enforcing a law the Senate passed 86-11 the president does not understand[9]. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the move gave "the Russian economy life support." He argued it undercuts "America First"[10][19].
The critics' case is simple. Congress passed this law to force pressure on Russia, and the president signed it. They argue Moscow negotiates seriously only when it feels real economic pain. Waiving almost everything before it starts, they say, empties the law of meaning[1][6].
Each side also has its own stake. Congress has an interest in defending its role in sanctions policy. For Republicans, criticizing a president from their own party carries political risk. For Democrats, the split offers a campaign issue weeks before the midterms[20][21].
Kyiv, Moscow and the buyers
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky tied the waiver to events on the ground. On Oct. 17, Russia struck more than 15 power-generation and transmission sites in Ukraine. Zelensky said the U.S. had decided to "completely disregard" the law. He said "financial rewards for Putin" only encourage him "to keep attacking"[12]. He later said the waived sanctions "could have helped enormously"[23].
For Kyiv, Russian oil income pays for the war. The grid is also taking heavy damage heading into winter[12][13].
Moscow read it the opposite way. Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the waiver "an important and truly historic moment." He argued the law would have done "serious damage first and foremost to the US economy and global markets"[15]. Russia also avoids tariffs that could have scared off its biggest customers[15][8].
Indian coverage treated it as a trade story. The Tribune led with relief from a 100% tariff that would have hit Indian exports to the U.S.[18]. India and China can keep buying Russian oil without a U.S. tariff penalty for now[18].
Same order, different headlines
Outlets framed the story around what mattered most to their readers. The Washington Examiner gave a largely straight account, adding the diesel context. Fox Business used a passive-voice headline and said "many" sanctions were waived, not nearly all[16][5]. The Daily Caller called the order a "lifeline" to buyers of Russian energy and centered fuel prices[17].
On the other side, The Washington Post led with "bipartisan outrage"[6]. The Daily Beast said Trump "hands Putin major win" with a "late-night order," which states a verdict as fact[7]. Al Jazeera led with the bipartisan backlash[9]. RT put "bone-crushing" in quotation marks, casting the waiver as a defeat for the law's backers[8].
One premise doesn't hold up. The claim that the White House gave no further explanation is wrong. The order itself was brief, but a spokeswoman and the secretary of state both gave reasons[11][14].
As of Oct. 18, no new Graham Act tariffs or sanctions are in force. Rubio's 60-day review leaves open whether they return[14]. The White House says it can act at any time. Critics say Russia's strikes on Ukraine's grid are continuing now[11][12].
Summary
Late on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order waiving nearly all of the Russia-related sanctions and tariffs in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026[1][22]. Trump had signed that law in September[1]. Its measures were due to start on Oct. 18, two days after the order[1]. The order said that holding off was in the U.S. national interest. Existing U.S. sanctions on Russia stay in place[15].
The law called for tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods. It also called for tariffs of up to 100% on all goods from the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas, a group that includes India and China[1][18]. The White House said enforcing the law now 'would impede' U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia[11]. Rubio said Trump wants up to 60 days to study what the tariffs would do to the U.S. and global economies[14].
Criticism came from both parties. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) wrote that the late Sen. Graham 'would be appalled.' Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the decision 'beyond irresponsible'[9]. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump was giving 'the Russian economy life support'[10][19]. Zelensky linked the waiver to a Russian strike on more than 15 Ukrainian energy sites on Oct. 17[12]. Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the waiver 'truly historic'[15].
The core dispute is about leverage. Critics say pressure on Russia only works if it is actually applied. The White House says a threat held in reserve gives it more room in peace talks, and that tariffs on major U.S. trading partners would also hurt Americans[11][14].
The Event
On Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order waiving the Russia-related sanctions, tariffs and restrictions in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026[1][22]. He used the law's national-interest waiver and sent Congress a certification[11][18]. The measures had been due to start on Oct. 18[1]. On Oct. 17, Russia struck more than 15 power-generation and transmission sites in Ukraine[12].
Undisputed Facts
- Trump signed the Graham Act into law in September 2026. Lawmakers who wanted to raise pressure on Moscow had pushed for it[2][14].
- The law is named for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a strong supporter of Ukraine who died on July 11, 2026[1].
- The Oct. 16 order waives every operative Russia section of the law. That includes tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas. It also covers penalties on the top five countries helping Russia evade oil sanctions and on foreign banks that do major business with Russian state banks[1][16].
- The order does not lift U.S. sanctions on Russia that were already in force. It keeps provisions for tracking Russian energy purchases[15].
- White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said enforcing the sanctions now 'would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.' She added that the president 'retains the ability to exercise these authorities at any time' if he decides it advances U.S. interests[11].
- Rubio said Trump wants to use up to 60 days to study what the sanctions and tariffs would mean for the global and U.S. economies. He named India as an important U.S. partner that relies heavily on Russian oil[14].
- The Washington Examiner reported that this was the second time in about two weeks that Trump eased Russia sanctions, as he turned to Putin for help with high diesel prices[16].
The Pressure
Strip away the moralizing and blame. What structural realities persist regardless of which narrative wins?
- How secondary tariffs work, and who pays
- The law's main weapon was not a tax on Russian oil. It was a tariff of up to 100% on everything the top buyers of Russian oil and gas sell to the U.S.[1][18]. A tariff is a tax paid when goods enter the U.S. So a 100% tariff roughly doubles the cost of an Indian or Chinese product for the U.S. company that imports it. The goal is to make buying Russian oil too costly for those countries, which cuts Russia's income. That explains both sides. Critics see the tariff threat as the strongest pressure available. The White House and Moscow point out that the first bill lands on U.S. importers and partners like India. And if buyers stop taking Russian oil, world supply shrinks and fuel prices can rise[14][15].
- How the national-interest waiver works
- Congress often writes sanctions laws as requirements but adds an escape hatch. The president can set the measures aside by certifying to Congress that doing so serves the national interest. Trump used that process under Section 115[11][18]. Supporters say this is exactly the flexibility Congress built in. Critics say waiving every operative Russia section, two days before they start, turns a required law into an optional one[1][6].
- Fuel prices
- The administration has turned to Moscow to help bring down high diesel prices, and this waiver followed an earlier easing tied to diesel[16][17]. Squeezing Russian energy sales works against that goal.
- Leverage in talks
- Both sides say they want pressure on Russia that ends the war. They disagree on whether that pressure works better applied now or held as a threat[11][9].
Material realityAs of Oct. 18, no new Graham Act tariffs or sanctions are in force against Russia or its oil customers. Sanctions that were already in place remain[15]. Russia's major buyers, including India and China, can keep buying without a U.S. tariff penalty for now[18]. Rubio's 60-day review leaves open whether the measures return[14]. Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy system continued, including the Oct. 17 strike on more than 15 sites[12].
Narrative as a weaponUkraine's government and congressional critics want readers to see the waiver as a reward for Russian aggression. They tie it to the Oct. 17 grid strike and to Graham's memory[12][9]. The White House wants it seen as a careful, legal pause that protects peace talks and the U.S. economy[11][14]. Moscow presents it as proof that the sanctions would have hurt America most[15]. Indian outlets treat it as a trade story about tariff relief[18]. Note also that the original assignment said the White House gave no further explanation. That is not accurate: a spokeswoman and the secretary of state both gave reasons, so leaving them out would have tilted the story toward the critics[11][14].
How Each Side Sees It
Each major actor’s view — how it frames things, its underlying incentive, and how it’s materially affected. Tap a side to read it.
Frames it asThe administration's case is that sanctions are a tool for ending the war, not a goal in themselves. In its view, a threat held in reserve gives negotiators leverage. Using it all at once could end talks and leave nothing left to offer or threaten[11]. Second, the tariffs would land mostly on U.S. partners such as India, not just on Russia. Rubio says the president needs time to weigh that cost to the U.S. and world economies[14]. Third, the law itself includes a waiver. Using it after certifying to Congress is a power Congress chose to give the president, and the White House says he can exercise these authorities at any time[11][18].
WhyKeep peace talks with Moscow going. Keep diesel and oil prices from rising further, since Trump has turned to Putin for help on diesel supply[16][17]. Avoid a trade fight with India and China[14][18].
Impact on themThe order puts Trump at odds with senior Republican senators on a law named for a Republican colleague who died this year[9][20]. If talks stall or Russia keeps escalating, the White House will own that result[12].
Frames it asCritics say Congress passed this law to force pressure on Russia, and the president signed it. Waiving almost all of it before it starts empties the law of meaning[1][6]. Tillis asked what part of enforcing a law the Senate passed 86-11 the president does not understand[9]. They argue Moscow negotiates seriously only under real economic pain, and that removing it while Russia escalates attacks rewards aggression. Schumer adds that the move undercuts 'America First' by giving 'the Russian economy life support'[10][19].
WhyDefend Congress's role in sanctions policy. Keep Ukraine aid and pressure on Russia popular. Democrats also gain a campaign issue weeks before the midterms[10][19].
Impact on themFor Republicans, criticizing a president of their own party carries political risk. Democrats gain an issue that divides the GOP[20][21].
Frames it asZelensky argues that easing pressure directly encourages more Russian attacks. He pointed to a strike on more than 15 energy sites on Oct. 17 and said 'financial rewards for Putin' only encourage him 'to keep attacking'[12]. He says the waived sanctions 'could have helped enormously'[23].
WhyKeep the U.S. as an ally that applies pressure on Russia. Keep Russian oil income low, since it pays for the war[12][13].
Impact on themRussia's oil revenue faces less pressure just as Ukraine's power grid takes heavy damage heading into winter[12].
Frames it asPutin envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the waiver 'an important and truly historic moment.' He argued the law would have done 'serious damage first and foremost to the US economy and global markets'[15]. In this view, the sanctions would have hurt Americans more than Russians.
WhyProtect oil and gas sales and keep big buyers like India and China from being scared off. Split Washington from Kyiv and from the U.S. Congress[15][8].
Impact on themRussia avoids secondary tariffs that could have pushed its biggest customers away. Existing U.S. sanctions still apply[15].
Frames it asIndian coverage treated the waiver as relief from a 100% tariff that would have hit all Indian exports to the U.S.[18]. The argument is that energy-importing countries buy the cheapest supply they can and should not be punished for it by a third party.
WhyKeep access to discounted Russian oil and to the U.S. market at the same time[18][14].
Impact on themFor now, they avoid a tariff that would have roughly doubled the price of their goods in the U.S. Rubio's 60-day review means the threat could return[14][18].
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The Bias Ledger average rating 4.1
The same story, as framed by outlets across the spectrum, ordered least to most biased. The bias score (1 = straight, 10 = heavily spun) is an AI assessment of that framing — click an outlet to see its track record. The tell is the word choice or omission that reveals the angle.
| Outlet | Vantage | Bias | How they frame it | The tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Examiner | U.S. right | 2 | Trump waives Russia sanctions ordered by law named for Lindsey Graham | A largely straight account of what was waived. It adds diesel-price context and notes this was the second waiver in two weeks. |
| Fox Business | U.S. right | 3 | Russian sanctions, tariffs under Graham Act waived by President Donald Trump | The passive-voice headline softens who acted. The story says 'many' sanctions rather than nearly all. |
| Al Jazeera | Qatari state-funded | 3 | Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver | Leads with the domestic backlash, which is accurate, but makes criticism the main frame. |
| The Tribune | Indian | 3 | Trump waives Russia-related US sanctions that threatened 100% tariffs on India, China | The national-interest angle: the story is relief for India, not Ukraine or Congress. |
| The Washington Post | U.S. center-left | 4 | Trump's waiver of sanctions on Russia stirs bipartisan outrage | 'Outrage' makes the reaction the headline instead of the action or the White House's stated reason. |
| The Daily Caller | U.S. right | 5 | Trump Throws Lifeline To Russian Energy Buyers Days Before Lindsey Graham-Backed Sanctions Take Effect | Frames the story around buyers and lower diesel prices. That centers the economic case and sets aside Ukraine. |
| RT | Russian state | 6 | Trump waives 'bone-crushing' Russia sanctions | Quoting 'bone-crushing' mocks the backers' rhetoric and casts the waiver as their defeat. |
| The Daily Beast | U.S. left | 7 | Trump Hands Putin Major Win With Late-Night Order Undoing Lindsey Graham-Backed Sanctions | 'Hands Putin major win' states a verdict as fact. 'Late-night' suggests stealth. |
References
- Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions On Russia Before They Take Effect — Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty · U.S. government-funded international broadcaster; editorially pro-Ukraine
- Trump waives Russia-linked sanctions, citing national interest — CNBC · U.S. center business news (Versant/NBCUniversal lineage)
- Trump waives new Russia sanctions in the "national interests" — Axios · U.S. center, commercially owned (Cox Enterprises)
- Trump signs order waiving Graham Act sanctions on Russia, drawing backlash from some lawmakers and Zelenskyy — ABC News · U.S. mainstream network (Disney), center to center-left
- Russian sanctions, tariffs under Graham Act waived by President Donald Trump — Fox Business · U.S. right (Fox Corp.)
- Trump's waiver of sanctions on Russia stirs bipartisan outrage — The Washington Post · U.S. center-left (owned by Jeff Bezos)
- Trump Hands Putin Major Win With Late-Night Order Undoing Lindsey Graham-Backed Sanctions — The Daily Beast · U.S. left, anti-Trump
- Trump waives 'bone-crushing' Russia sanctions — RT · Russian state-funded broadcaster
- Trump faces bipartisan backlash over Russia sanctions waiver — Al Jazeera · Qatari state-funded
- Chuck Schumer rips President Trump on waiving Russia sanctions — The Hill · U.S. center, Capitol Hill trade outlet (Nexstar)
- Russia Sanctions Waiver Needed to Protect Peace Talks, White House Says — Kyiv Post · Ukrainian independent, pro-Ukraine
- Russia launches 'one of its largest attacks' on Ukraine's energy grid as US 'disregards' Graham's sanctions, Zelensky says — The Kyiv Independent · Ukrainian independent, pro-Ukraine
- Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold — NPR · U.S. public broadcaster, center-left
- Trump Using 60-Day Pause to Review Russia Sanctions, Rubio Says — Kyiv Post · Ukrainian independent, pro-Ukraine
- Putin Envoy Calls Trump's Russia Sanctions Waiver 'Historic Moment' — Outlook India · Indian commercial newsmagazine, center
- Trump waives Russia sanctions ordered by law named for Lindsey Graham — Washington Examiner · U.S. right (Clarity Media/Anschutz)
- Trump Throws Lifeline To Russian Energy Buyers Days Before Lindsey Graham-Backed Sanctions Take Effect — The Daily Caller · U.S. right
- Trump waives Russia-related US sanctions that threatened 100% tariffs on India, China — The Tribune · Indian, trust-owned regional daily, center
- Leader Schumer Statement On Trump's Reckless Decision To Exempt Russia From US Sanctions — Senate Democrats · Partisan primary source (Senate Democratic leadership)
- Republicans Turn on Trump Over Russia Sanctions Waiver — Newsweek · U.S. center, commercially owned
- Republican lawmakers bash Donald Trump over decision to waive Russia sanction — The Hill · U.S. center, Capitol Hill trade outlet (Nexstar)
- Trump waives Russia-related sanctions before they kick in, prompting backlash from Ukraine and US lawmakers — CNN · U.S. center-left (Warner Bros. Discovery)
- Zelensky says Russian sanctions Trump waived 'could have helped enormously' — The Hill · U.S. center, Capitol Hill trade outlet (Nexstar)