Trump Pauses Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Ahead of Lindsey Graham Act Implementation

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on a Friday that waives the energy-related sanctions and tariffs set by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The order freezes upcoming tariffs of up to 500 % on U.S. imports from Russia and 100 % on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. The legislation, passed in September and named after the late senator, was intended as a new economic weapon against Russia’s war effort.

China DailyCNN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the waiver could be the first step in a broader lifting of sanctions.

China Daily

Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina, filling her late brother’s seat, argued that pressure must remain on Russia to end the war and lower gas prices, citing a lack of trust in President Vladimir Putin. Outgoing Senator Thom Tillis called the decision “beyond irresponsible” and accused Trump of “capitulating to a Russian dictator.”

CNN

Traders reported that oil futures dipped on Monday morning after the waiver, with Brent crude flirting with five-month highs around $110 a barrel. Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, noted that Russia continues to sell crude to China, India, Turkey and other markets while limiting refined-fuel exports.

CNN

• “This eviscerates any real enforcement of the Lindsey Graham sanctions act,” — Ed Mills, Washington policy analyst at financial firm Raymond James

CNN

• “The timing of the announcement is telling. Friday news dumps are done for the actions you don’t want noticed and politically you don’t want to defend,” — Ed Mills, Washington policy analyst at financial firm Raymond James

CNN

• “Russia is already selling crude oil to China, India, Turkey and elsewhere while they have been limiting exports of refined fuels,” — Andy Lipow, president

CNN

• “The problem is that these sanctions were not just sanctions on Russia. They include tariffs on a number of countries — India, for example, and others,” — State Marco Rubio

CNN

• “I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver is in the national interests of the United States,” — Donald Trump, president

China Daily