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Politics · October 19, 2026

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., on Trump waiving sanctions on Russia

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President Donald Trump has waived portions of the Graham Act, a bipartisan law designed to impose new sanctions and heavy tariffs on Russia and its major energy importers. The waivers, invoked under a national interest provision, prevent 100% tariffs on large-scale buyers of Russian crude and 500% tariffs on Russian goods from taking effect. The administration framed the move as a 'carrot' to encourage peace and stabilize energy prices amid high oil costs following the Iran war. While Russian officials praised the decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several U.S. lawmakers criticized it, arguing that easing economic pressure encourages further Russian aggression.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • President Trump waived portions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act.
  • The waivers prevent new sanctions and tariffs from taking effect.
  • The Graham Act was a bipartisan piece of legislation signed into law by Trump.
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision, calling it unfortunate.
  • The law provided the president the authority to waive portions if certified as being in the 'national interest.'
  • Russian officials praised the administration's decision.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The specific tariffs included 100% on the world's five largest importers of Russian crude and 500% on Russian goods.
  • The waivers came shortly after Trump eased sanctions on Russian diesel and announced an import deal.
  • Trump's Energy Secretary defended the move as a 'carrot' to encourage peace.
  • Trump previously proposed an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine.
  • A bipartisan group of senators previously urged Trump to enforce the sanctions to enhance his negotiating position.

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