Trump waives Russia energy tariffs and sanctions before midterms

President Donald Trump waived tariffs and sanctions on Russian energy exports mandated by the Graham Act, citing national interests, to ease pressure on diesel prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The executive order suspends implementation of the measures, which were set to take effect Oct. 18. The law, championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, required 100% tariffs on goods from top buyers of Russian crude and 500% tariffs on U.S. imports of Russian energy. Trump's waiver aligns with his plan to work with Vladimir Putin to release diesel supplies, but faces bipartisan congressional backlash. The waiver avoids clashes with China, India, and Turkey, major purchasers of Russian energy. Graham, who died in July, had championed the sanctions as leverage to end Russia's five-year invasion of Ukraine, and his bill's passage was seen as a tribute to him.