Trump Halts New Russian Sanctions and Tariffs Through National Interest Waiver
The executive action suspends steep trade penalties two days before enforcement while the administration seeks to import Russian diesel fuel to lower domestic energy prices.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, that halted new economic sanctions and tariffs against Russia. The order invoked a national interest waiver to suspend the measures two days before they were scheduled to take effect.
The action blocks a 500 percent tariff on Russian goods. It also delays tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations that buy large amounts of Russian oil and natural gas. Trump formally delivered a written certification to Congress, stating that the waiver serves American national interests.
The paused penalties stem from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation targets Russian financial institutions, state-controlled firms, Arctic liquefied natural gas projects, and maritime oil shipping fleets. Section 115 of the law allows the president to suspend the restrictions on national interest grounds.
Trump signed the bill into law on Sept. 18, 2026, after it received wide bipartisan support in Congress. The measure passed the Senate 86–11 in August and the House 262–159 in mid-September. The act honors the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died in July 2026.
The suspension follows an agreement Trump announced on Oct. 9, 2026, with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel. Under the arrangement, Russia will supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by larger shipments later. Trump said the purchases will increase fuel supplies and lower global energy costs.
The Treasury Department issued regulatory relief to permit the fuel transactions. The move came during diplomatic friction between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Washington urged Kyiv to stop targeting Russian petroleum facilities. Earlier sanctions against designated Russian individuals and entities remain in force.
Lawmakers offered contrasting reactions to the decision. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said the waiver showed failed leadership that disregarded Congress and helped Putin wage war against Ukraine. Appointed Republican Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina said that while she supported the bill, the statute granted the president implementation discretion.
The waiver has no statutory expiration date and remains active until Trump or the secretary of state revokes it. The executive order directs federal trade, energy, and diplomatic agencies to monitor foreign purchases of Russian fuel. If officials revoke the waiver, foreign transactions begun on or after Oct. 18 could face tariffs.
