Trump voids new Russia sanctions days after signing, citing diesel deal

Key points

• Trump waived the sanctions two days before the 30-day implementation deadline, allowing Russia to avoid economic measures targeting its energy revenue.
• The waiver follows a recent agreement to buy Russian diesel, aimed at reducing U.S. diesel prices which have risen nearly 70% since the start of the Iran war.
• The White House cited 'national interests' as the justification but has not publicly detailed the specific rationale for the waiver.
• The legislation, passed with bipartisan support in September, authorized tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy, including China and India.
• Critics, including Sen. Thom Tillis, argue the president is violating the law, while others view the move as a capitulation to Vladimir Putin.

Background

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was signed into law on September 18, 2026, following a bipartisan House vote on September 17. The bill, the first major U.S. legislative support for Ukraine in over two years, targeted Russian oil and gas revenues, shadow tankers, and officials aiding the war effort. It granted the president broad discretion to suspend restrictions for national security reasons, a provision that drew criticism for expanding executive power. The legislation included a 30-day window for the administration to implement or waive the measures.

How outlets are covering it

Politico and NBC News highlight the bipartisan outrage, with lawmakers from both parties condemning the waiver as a betrayal of congressional intent and a concession to Russia. Rep. Don Beyer and former State Department sanctions coordinator Daniel Fried criticized the move as 'capitulation' and a failure to pressure Moscow. CNN’s coverage, while largely obscured by technical errors in the provided source, aligns with the narrative of worsening U.S.-Ukraine ties. NBC News notes that Sen. Darline Graham, who co-sponsored the bill and is running for her late brother’s Senate seat, has not yet criticized the president, despite the move undermining the legislation’s core purpose. The sources agree that the waiver is directly linked to the recent diesel purchase deal, which was intended to address soaring fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

The waiver undermines the first major U.S. congressional effort to sanction Russia in over two years, potentially emboldening Moscow and weakening leverage in the Ukraine conflict. It also raises questions about the administration’s commitment to congressional intent and the rule of law, as critics argue the waiver lacks a clear legal basis. The decision could impact U.S. relations with allies and adversaries, particularly China and India, who were targeted by the proposed tariffs. Additionally, the move may influence the midterm elections, as cost-of-living issues, including fuel prices, remain a top concern for voters.

What to watch

Congress may seek to 'fix' the law to prevent future waivers, as urged by Rep. Don Beyer. The White House is expected to provide more details on the 'national interests' justification, though it has not yet done so. The diesel deal with Russia will likely proceed, potentially lowering U.S. fuel prices but at the cost of diplomatic and strategic consequences. The midterm elections, occurring in less than three weeks, may see the issue of cost of living and foreign policy play a significant role in voter decisions.