Trump delays Russian oil tariffs to cut diesel prices before midterms

President Donald Trump has decided not to impose tariffs on Russian energy exports as mandated by a law he signed a month ago, citing the need to lower diesel fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. He invoked a legal provision allowing sanctions exemptions. The executive order, issued late Friday, formally introduces the tariffs but immediately suspends them, with Trump notifying Congress the move aligns with US national interests. The law required 100% tariffs on goods from five major Russian oil buyers and 500% tariffs on Russian energy imports, with the deadline expiring October 18. The decision follows Trump's agreement with Vladimir Putin to allow Russian diesel onto the global market to reduce US prices before the November 3 vote. The move has drawn bipartisan criticism from senators demanding Trump enforce the law and abandon the Putin deal.