Trump Waives Key Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Days Before They Were Due to Start

President Donald Trump has set aside major Russia related sanctions and tariffs that were about to begin under a law he signed in mid September. A White House order released Friday says the waiver serves US national interests and will last until Trump or senior officials decide further action is appropriate. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was meant to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. It allows the president to waive penalties simply by telling Congress that he has judged them not to be in the national interest.

What the Law Would Have Done

Tariffs of up to 100% could have hit all goods from the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas, and from any country that knowingly bought Russian energy after the 30 day mark or ranked among the top five helping Russia dodge sanctions. Analysts said that could have pushed oil prices higher just before the midterm elections, while Americans already face rising costs tied to the war on Iran.

Reactions at Home and Abroad

Representative Don Beyer called the move a surrender to Putin that betrays Ukraine. Several senators, including some Republicans, had earlier criticized a diesel arrangement with Russia that lifted sanctions on its exports in exchange for fuel supplies. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy, called the waiver a historic moment. China and India, major buyers of Russian crude, had both objected to the sanctions plan.

Trump’s Shifting Stance on Moscow

The waiver comes as Trump grows warmer toward Russia while publicly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and even suggesting Kyiv needs new leadership.