Trump waived Graham Act sanctions and tariffs two days before they were due. Critics say it helps Moscow.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving sanctions and tariffs on Russia required under a law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, two days before they were due to take effect on Oct. 18.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which Trump signed in September, would have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, and from countries that knowingly bought it after a 30-day deadline or helped Russia evade sanctions, Reuters reported. The law lets the president waive the measures by telling Congress it is in the national interest.
The order did not say why the waiver serves the national interest and stays in effect until the administration decides “further action is appropriate,” CNN reported. It does not lift sanctions already imposed on Russia, ABC News reported, but it gives the administration wider room to decide which to keep without being bound by the law’s requirements. Fox Business said Trump retains the power to reinstate the measures.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, called the waiver an “important and truly historic moment.” Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, said it betrays Ukraine’s partners and defies congressional intent. China has said it opposes the law’s reach, and India warned that new tariffs could affect relations with Washington.
The waiver follows a week in which Trump announced a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel, said Ukraine should get a new president and announced an energy ceasefire that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia has violated.
This report is based on information from Reuters, ABC News, CNN, Fox Business and The Hill.