US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order waiving key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs just days before they were scheduled to take effect under newly enacted US legislation.
The waived measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 which Trump signed into law in mid-September. The law aimed to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine by threatening tariffs of up to 100 percent on top global buyers of Russian oil and gas including major economies such as China and India.
In his executive order released Friday, Trump stated that suspending the penalties serves the national interest of the United States. White House officials noted the waiver would remain active indefinitely until further determination.
The decision comes ahead of competitive US midterm elections, as rising global energy costs exacerbated by ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli military operations against Iran have increased economic pressure on American consumers. Strict enforcement of the sanctions risked driving energy prices even higher.
The move sparked immediate political debate in Washington. Opposition Democrats criticized the decision also arguing it weakens international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermines congressional intent. Conversely the Russian officials welcomed the waiver also describing it as a significant step for bilateral trade stability.
