Trump Backs Russia Sanctions Bill Honoring Late Senator Lindsey Graham

The Trump administration has signaled its support for the Lindsey Graham Russia Accountability Bill, a bipartisan sanctions package designed to cripple Russia's war economy. The legislation, spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 12, 2026, following his tenth visit to Ukraine, aims to deprive Moscow of funds used for its military offensive.

The revised bill, unveiled on July 14, targets the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas—specifically China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. It authorizes the U.S. to impose tariffs of up to 100%, a significant reduction from an original proposal of 500%. The measure also imposes blocking sanctions on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, Russia's shadow tanker fleet, and major energy projects like Yamal LNG. To protect global trade, the bill provides exemptions for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and grants the president authority to waive sanctions in the national interest.

President Donald Trump has described the bill as a tribute to Graham and has suggested expanding its scope to include sanctions against Iran and Hezbollah, characterizing Iran as the "bully in the region." However, co-author Senator Richard Blumenthal has cautioned against adding new targets to ensure the current negotiated text moves forward swiftly. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer are coordinating to bring the bill to the floor as a legacy for Graham, though a final vote date remains uncommitted pending House approval.