Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions Days After Diesel Deal

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that creates but immediately waives sweeping new tariffs and sanctions against Russia, including a 500 percent tariff on Russian goods and potential 100 percent tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy. The waiver was issued one week after Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Moscow. The order implements the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which Trump signed into law on September 18, expanding sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and the energy sector. Trump submitted a certification to Congress stating the waiver is in the national interest, and it will remain until he or administration officials decide otherwise. The move follows an October 9 agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase diesel supplies to U.S. and global markets, aimed at lowering prices. The decision drew criticism from lawmakers like Republican Representative Michael McCaul, who warned that easing restrictions could fund Russia's war machine.