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Trump Blocks Lindsey Graham’s Russia Sanctions Just Weeks After Signing Them Into Law
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US President Donald Trump has blocked the implementation of sweeping sanctions and tariffs against Russia and buyers of Russian energy under a law championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, just weeks after signing the legislation himself.
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According to a White House executive order published on October 16 and reported by Bloomberg on October 17, Trump waived measures under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war against Ukraine.
The legislation, passed in September, authorized tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian oil, alongside additional restrictions targeting Russian financial institutions, government officials, and companies supporting Moscow’s war effort.
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In the executive order, Trump stated that waiving the measures at this stage was consistent with US national interests. The administration also submitted the required justification to Congress.
The decision came shortly before an October 18 deadline for implementing key provisions of the legislation.
Under the law, the president was also authorized to impose 500% tariffs on Russian energy imports into the United States and expand sanctions against Russian entities, financial networks, and individuals involved in circumventing existing restrictions.
Bloomberg reported that the executive order formally establishes certain tariffs while simultaneously suspending their enforcement. This leaves the administration with the option of introducing the measures at a later date without requiring new legislation.
The waiver does not repeal the law or automatically remove sanctions imposed under earlier authorities.
The legislation was originally introduced in April 2025 by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Following Graham’s death in July 2026, lawmakers presented a revised version that also incorporated measures targeting Iran.
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The suspension has prompted criticism from lawmakers who supported the legislation. Blumenthal condemned Trump’s decision, arguing that it undermined congressional efforts to restrict Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, a bipartisan group of senators had already urged the administration to enforce the legislation and reverse a separate arrangement involving Russian diesel exports.
The waiver also reduces the immediate risk of additional US trade restrictions affecting major purchasers of Russian energy, including China, India, and Turkey.
The decision follows Trump’s October 9 announcement of an agreement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin concerning the supply of Russian diesel fuel to international markets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized that arrangement, warning that easing pressure on Russian energy exports would benefit Moscow.
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