Trump’s Waiver of Graham Act Sanctions Sparks Bipartisan Outrage and Zelenskyy’s Condemnation

Key points

• Trump waived the Graham Act via executive order on Oct 17, 2026, two days before its scheduled enforcement.
• The waiver suspends tariffs on Russian oil buyers and sanctions against Russian financial institutions and officials.
• Bipartisan lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Thom Tillis, condemned the move as 'irresponsible' and a 'deal with the devil.'
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the decision, stating it encourages Putin to continue the war.
• The White House argued the waiver preserves flexibility for ongoing peace negotiations and national interests.

Background

This development follows a series of recent actions by the Trump administration regarding Russia, including a diesel import deal announced earlier this month that failed to lower US fuel prices and drew bipartisan rebuke. The Graham Act, signed in September 2026, was a major legislative effort to pressure Moscow, passing the Senate 86-11. The current waiver is the second time in two weeks Trump has waived Russian sanctions, intensifying tensions with Ukraine and raising questions about the administration's foreign policy consistency.

How outlets are covering it

Axios and ABC News highlight the unified bipartisan backlash, noting that even Republicans who supported the Graham Act, such as Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis, have condemned the waiver. ABC News adds that Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the few Republicans who voted against the original bill, supported the waiver. AP News focuses on the legislative outrage and the potential for Congress to investigate the decision. All sources agree that the move has strained relations with Ukraine, with Zelenskyy explicitly criticizing the waiver as aiding Russia. The White House, as reported by all outlets, maintains that the waiver is a strategic tool for peace negotiations, a justification rejected by most lawmakers.

Why it matters

The waiver undermines a key piece of bipartisan legislation designed to pressure Russia and could set a precedent for executive override of congressional sanctions. It risks further alienating Ukraine and emboldening Russia, potentially prolonging the war. The backlash also threatens to derail the Trump administration's legislative agenda during the upcoming lame-duck session, as lawmakers signal they may withhold funding in response.

What to watch

Congress is expected to return in a few weeks, where it may push back against the waiver and potentially investigate the decision. The White House has stated it retains the ability to re-impose sanctions if it deems it in the national interest. The long-term impact on US-Russia relations and the peace process remains uncertain, with the law's Russia provisions slated to expire in 2031 unless Congress acts otherwise.