Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Under Graham Act

President Donald Trump waived many sanctions, restrictions, and duties under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, days before they were set to take effect, citing US national interest. The executive order, issued Friday, comes as Trump has warmed toward Russia and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The law, signed in September and backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would have imposed tariffs up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas and countries aiding Russia's sanctions evasion. Countries like India, a major buyer of Russian oil, had raised concerns about the bill. Trump's waiver, submitted to Congress, halts these measures despite the law's original 30-day implementation timeline.