Trump Waives Graham Act Sanctions on Russia Two Days Before They Take Effect

President Trump signed an executive order late Friday, October 16, 2026, waiving the bulk of the sanctions and tariffs required by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law, which he signed on September 18, was set to take effect on Sunday, October 18. The order certifies to Congress that the waiver is in the national interests of the United States.

The Graham Act, named for the late South Carolina senator who died in July after a year of building support for the measure, directed the administration to impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions. It also authorized 500 percent tariffs on Russian goods and 100 percent tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, including China, India, and Turkey. Section 115 of the act allows the president to waive any provision after notifying Congress that doing so serves the national interest. There is no time limit on the waiver.

In the order, Trump wrote: “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions and duties provided for in the Graham Act. I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States.” The text specifically waives sections 102(a), 102(d), 102(e), 103 through 111, and 117. Existing sanctions under earlier executive orders remain in place.

The White House has pointed to U.S. gasoline prices and a recent diesel arrangement with Russia as reasons for the pause. Administration officials say they will monitor countries that continue to buy Russian energy and can reimpose measures if conditions change. The waiver arrives days after Trump met Putin and lifted some restrictions on Russian fuel to ease pump prices ahead of the midterm elections, now 17 days away.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that the decision rewards Putin and will encourage further attacks. “A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking,” he posted. Russian officials have not issued a formal statement, but state media framed the waiver as recognition that pressure has failed.

Congressional reaction split along party lines. Democrats called the move a betrayal of the law’s intent. Representative Don Beyer of Virginia said it “again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent.” Some Republicans who backed the original bill have stayed silent or noted the national-interest clause they wrote into the statute. No immediate legislative counter is expected before the election.

The Graham Act was the strongest sanctions package Congress has passed on Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Its rapid waiver, less than a month after enactment, leaves the practical effect of the law limited to the reporting requirement Trump has already met. Energy markets showed little immediate reaction; Brent crude held steady overnight.

The order directs the administration to continue watching secondary trade and to report back if further action becomes appropriate. Whether the waiver remains in force through the winter, when Ukraine faces the heaviest energy attacks, will depend on the midterm results and any shift in Russian battlefield behavior.