Donald Trump Waives Sanctions on Russian Energy Imports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, exempting Russia from the majority of sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The bipartisan law, which Trump signed in September, targeted Russian oligarchs and financial institutions and authorized tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas. The waiver prevents these tariffs from taking effect on October 18.

Trump stated that the decision was in the national interests of the United States, citing a goal to lower global energy prices and end the war in Ukraine. This action follows a recent agreement by the administration to purchase millions of tons of Russian diesel fuel and public comments from Trump suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be replaced.

The move has sparked significant political backlash. Senator Richard Blumenthal accused the president of favoring Vladimir Putin over U.S. allies and Congress. Conversely, Senator Darline Graham noted that the sanctions law provides the president with tools to end the war through economic pressure if he chooses to use them.