Story perspectives

Trump Waives Russia Sanctions, Tariffs Under Graham Act

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:06 PM UTC · How we work

Left

Waiver Rewards Putin

President Donald Trump signed an Oct. 16, 2026 executive order waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia slated for Oct. 18 under Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Waiver strips pressure meant to curb Russia’s war, giving President Vladimir Putin an edge and, per Ukraine’s president, enabling attacks on energy infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the waiver rewards Putin and threatens infrastructure.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the waiver a failure that enables Russia’s aggression.

Right

Senators Condemn Waiver

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Oct. 16, 2026, waiving Russia-related sanctions and tariffs Oct. 18 under Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Rep. Thomas Massie praised the waiver, calling the Graham law “stupid” and lauding Trump’s executive authority.
Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn condemned the waiver as a capitulation to Vladimir Putin.
Trump announced Russia would deliver millions of tons of diesel to global markets.

Center

Partial Sanctions Suspension

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Oct. 16, 2026, waiving Russia sanctions and tariffs for Oct. 18 under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
The order keeps earlier sanctions while only suspending the new duties and tariffs of the Graham Act.
The administration said the waiver serves the national interest by not hindering peace talks.
It follows a Putin deal to deliver 1.8 million tons of diesel, lowering fuel prices.

Blindspot

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the waiver rewards Putin and will enable further attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, threatening civilian power supplies.
The waiver removes economic pressure meant to curb Russia’s war, effectively giving President Vladimir Putin a financial advantage.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

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Waiver Rewards Putin

President Donald Trump signed an Oct. 16, 2026 executive order waiving sanctions and tariffs against Russia slated for Oct. 18 under Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Waiver strips pressure meant to curb Russia’s war, giving President Vladimir Putin an edge and, per Ukraine’s president, enabling attacks on energy infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the waiver rewards Putin and threatens infrastructure.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the waiver a failure that enables Russia’s aggression.

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