President Donald Trump on Oct. 16 issued an executive order waiving the application of many sanctions and tariffs created by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, the White House said.
The White House’s order says it “waive[s] the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act” and that the administration has submitted to Congress a certification that the waiver is “in the national interests of the United States.”
The Graham Act, which Congress passed and the president signed in mid-September, would have raised duties on goods from the Russian Federation and imposed steep tariffs on large buyers of Russian oil and gas, but Section 115 of the law authorizes the president to issue waivers with a written certification to Congress, the White House text explains.
Reuters reported the waiver pauses duties and penalties that were due to take effect days from now, including measures designed to impose tariffs on the top buyers and facilitators of Russian oil exports. Reuters said the order will remain in effect until the president or designated officials determine further action is appropriate.
Critics said the waiver undercuts congressional intent. Rep. Don Beyer (D‑Va.) said Trump was “giving in to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” a comment Reuters and Politico cited after the announcement. Politico noted the law was championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and that the waiver limits the legislation’s immediate impact.
The White House order details specific duty increases the law authorized — including large ad valorem hikes for goods from Russia and for the top importers of Russian crude and gas — while also listing which sections of the statute the president is waiving. Both the White House text and Reuters say the administration certified the waiver as in the national interest when informing Congress.
Earlier this month the administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel in a separate move that drew bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill; readers can find related coverage on questions raised by senators in our reporting here. The waiver announced Oct. 16 follows that policy shift and comes as lawmakers from both parties pressing for clarity on U.S. policy toward Russia and energy markets.
Lindsey Graham’s name tops the statute because he led the legislative effort; the White House posting and major outlets describe the law by its full title, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The phrase “lindsey graham” appears in congressional debate and coverage of the bill, which its sponsors said was intended to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Sources
- The White House — the full executive order text saying the president is waiving specified sanctions and has sent a certification to Congress.
- Reuters — reporting that the waiver pauses tariffs and sanctions days before they would take effect and quoting congressional critics.
- Politico — coverage noting the law was championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and that critics say the move lets Moscow dodge measures meant to pressure the Kremlin.
