Trump waives key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs before they take effect under new law
USO•President Donald Trump waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs days before they were due to take effect under a law he signed last month, saying the waiver was in the national interest. The measures included tariffs of up to 100% on certain goods and penalties for buying Russian oil and gas.
1. Waiver issued
An executive order released by the White House said the waiver would remain in effect until Trump or his top officials determine that further action is appropriate. Trump said he had informed Congress that issuing the waiver at this time was in the national interest of the United States.
2. Measures under law
The law would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% within 30 days on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, as well as countries that knowingly bought Russian oil or gas 30 days after enactment or were among the top five countries helping Russia evade sanctions. China and India, both major buyers of Russian oil, had raised concerns about the bill.
3. Political reaction
Representative Don Beyer criticized the waiver, saying it betrayed Ukraine and defied congressional intent. Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in mid-September; the law allows the president to waive sanctions by informing Congress that they are not in the national interest.
