Full Breakdown
Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Days Before Deadline
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 16, President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving the sanctions and tariff provisions of the *Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026*. The suspension was enacted two days before the law’s October 18 deadline for implementation and follows a week-long public push to purchase Russian diesel for global markets.
Background & Context
The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed the House and Senate by large bipartisan margins in September 2026 and was signed into law on September 18.
Timeline
- September 18 – Graham Act signed into law.
- October 9 – Trump announces the diesel-supply schedule.
- October 16 – Executive order waiving sanctions signed.
- October 18 – Scheduled deadline for the sanctions to take effect (now waived).
- November 3 – Midterm election deadline influencing political calculations.
Data & Statistics
- Tariffs of up to 100 % targeted the top five importers of Russian oil or gas.
- The diesel deal pledged a total of 4.8 million tonnes over the coming months.
- The bill received “large margins” of bipartisan support in both chambers.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” — Richard Blumenthal, democratic senator
- “Trump has proven he will twist this law and abuse the powers it conferred on him, and while he has let the tariff powers lie for the moment, the law as written also empowers Trump to weaponize new trade authorities against our allies and trading partners,” — Democratic Representative Don Beyer
- “Trump's latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” — Mr Beyer
- “I believe that after the midterm elections, the situation will be better, the emotions will subside and we will be able to return to constructive dialogue with President Trump,” — Oleksandr Merezhko
Why It Matters
The suspension removes tools intended to pressure Russia’s war financing, potentially allowing continued revenue from energy exports. Critics contend the waiver undermines U.S. commitments to Ukraine and European allies, while the administration frames it as a national-interest decision amid rising fuel costs tied to the U.S.–Israel conflict over Iran. The timing also intersects with the November 3 midterm elections, where energy-price concerns are a prominent voter issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No definitive data on price impact is available, leaving the economic outcome uncertain.
What’s Next
The waiver remains active until Trump or senior officials deem further action appropriate. The White House has tasked the U.S. Trade Representative, State, Treasury, and Energy departments with monitoring foreign purchases of Russian oil and gas and reporting any conditions that might trigger reinstatement of the sanctions. The upcoming October 18 deadline and the November 3 elections are likely to shape the administration’s next steps.