Full Breakdown
Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Amid Bipartisan Backlash
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Waiver of the Graham Act Penalties
On October 20, 2026, President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving the sanctions, duties and restrictions created by the recently enacted Graham Act.
Background & Context
The Graham Act, named for Sen. Lindsey Graham, was passed with bipartisan support (86-11) and signed into law in September 2026. It imposes tariffs on Russian energy purchases, sanctions major Russian financial institutions, and targets top Russian officials to increase pressure on Moscow and push for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Data & Statistics
- The waiver covers the new tariffs and sanctions that would have targeted Russian diesel exporters.
- The United States agreed to purchase 300,000 tons of Russian diesel (about 2.2 million barrels).
- The United States consumes roughly 4.1 million barrels of diesel per day.
Official Statements & Responses
The administration highlighted the diesel import as a “carrot” to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the relief would ease global fuel-price pressures, and the White House framed the action as serving U.S. national interests.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican and Democratic lawmakers condemned the move as undermining the bipartisan consensus and emboldening Russia.
- Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said the decision “helps Putin in Ukraine” and could encourage further aggression.
- Democratic leaders, including Rep. Mike Turner (D-OH), demanded a congressional investigation.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the waiver “unfortunate” and said it “definitely helps only the Russians.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don't want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” — Donald Trump, president
- “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” — Donald Trump, president
- “If the president wants to actually bring down energy prices, he can do it by solving the Iran problem, not by doing a solid for Vladimir Putin,” — Sen. Thom Tillis, North Carolina
- “Helping Putin in Ukraine is reckless,” — Sen. John Cornyn, Texas
- “The president is prolonging the war, not ending it,” — Rep. Don Bacon, Nebraska
- “It's unfortunate because we all had great respect for Lindsey,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian president
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Analysts disagree on whether the diesel import will meaningfully lower U.S. fuel prices. Some argue the 300,000-ton shipment is a tiny fraction of daily consumption and unlikely to offset price pressures from concurrent Iran-related oil market disruptions. No definitive short-term price data have been released, leaving the effectiveness of the “carrot” approach uncertain.
What’s Next
A bipartisan group of nine senators, including Sens. Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, John Cornyn and Lisa Murkowski, has asked the Department of Defense inspector general to investigate whether DoD actions contributed to recent disruptions of U.S. satellite-based communications used by Ukraine. The request signals a pending congressional inquiry into both the sanctions waiver and related national-security concerns.