Donald Trump Proposes 100% Tariffs on Russian Energy Buyers

President Donald Trump proposed amendments to a Russia sanctions bill that would allow the United States to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy. The proposal targets India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump urged lawmakers to expand the legislation to grant him broad authority to levy tariffs on Iran, stating, "I'd like them to add Iran as tariffs, not just as sanctions."

The bill, authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, recently passed a key procedural vote in the Senate with an 86-12 margin. India is a primary target for these measures as the second-largest importer of Russian crude, with imports hitting a record 4.5 billion euros in June 2026.

While the legislation intends to increase pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, some Democrats oppose granting the president such extensive tariff powers. The bill must clear remaining Senate stages before it is expected to move to the House of Representatives in September.