Trump suspends Russia tariffs before U.S. midterm elections

President Donald Trump has waived sweeping tariffs and sanctions on Russian energy exports, suspending enforcement of the Graham Act ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The executive order, issued late Friday, aims to lower U.S. diesel prices near record highs. The Graham Act, signed last month, mandated 100% tariffs on goods from Russia's five largest crude buyers, 500% tariffs on Russian energy imports, and sanctions on Russian entities. Trump formally imposed the measures but suspended them, citing national interests and an October 18 deadline. The waiver follows a U.S.-Russia diesel supply agreement announced last week, drawing bipartisan criticism from senators urging enforcement. It also avoids trade disputes with major Russian energy customers like China, India, and Turkey, highlighting tensions between domestic fuel costs and sanctions policy.