WASHINGTON / AsiaWire.IO / – President Donald Trump has temporarily paused new sanctions and tariffs on Russia that Congress approved 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 before the measures were scheduled to take effect. Trump informed Congress that the suspension was in the best interests of the United States. He signed the legislation in mid-September after it received broad support in both chambers. The order did not include additional explanations.
According to the law, the US would have levied tariffs reaching up to 100% within 30 days on all imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil or gas. Countries that knowingly bought Russian oil or gas 30 days after the law’s enactment faced the same risks. The top five nations aiding Russia in sanctions evasion were also targeted. The legislation also permitted tariffs as high as 500% on all Russian goods. Additionally, sanctions could be applied to foreign banks conducting significant transactions with Russian state banks.
The order states that the waiver remains in effect until Trump or senior officials determine further action is necessary. Existing sanctions imposed through executive orders remain active, and the law’s restrictions on Russia are set to continue until 2031. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated on Saturday that the legislation grants the president additional authority to seek peace. Rogers explained that enforcing sanctions now could impede diplomatic negotiations. The White House confirmed that the president retains the power to activate these measures at any time.
Both Parties’ Lawmakers Criticize the Waiver Decision
The decision sparked strong reactions on Capitol Hill. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, described the move as irresponsible. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn said Graham would be appalled. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York called the diesel arrangement with Moscow a deal with the devil. Representative Thomas Massie, one of seven Republicans opposing the bill, supported the waiver. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that the move benefits only Russia and will not bring an end to the war.
The late Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, championed the legislation before his sudden death in July. The Senate approved the bill 86-11 in August, followed by the House with a 262-159 vote on September 16. Trump signed it 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 Purchases Approved Ahead of Midterm Elections
The waiver coincided with Trump’s announcement a week earlier that the US would buy Russian diesel to help lower global energy prices. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license extending through April, allowing the sale, delivery, and import of Russian diesel. Russia is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel to US and international markets. Without the law, tariffs on Russian fuel and sanctions on ships transporting it would have been enforced.
US fuel markets have been under pressure, with the national diesel average reaching a record $5.88 per gallon in September. The possibility of increased Russian supply also influenced oil prices last week and contributed to a decline in the dollar index. Several senators, including Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and John Cornyn, urged Trump earlier in the week to cancel the diesel deal. Congress retains authority to block any future suspension of sanctions. The administration’s energy decisions come ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.