In an executive order released by the White House on Friday, October 16, Trump said the decision was in the national interest of the United States.
“I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” Trump said in the order, according to Reuters.
The measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, legislation intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
The law provided for tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported into the United States from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
It also targeted countries that continued buying Russian oil or gas under specified conditions or were among the leading countries helping Russia evade sanctions.
The waiver will remain in place until Trump or senior officials in his administration determine that further action is appropriate.
The decision comes as the United States approaches its November midterm elections, when Trump’s Republican Party will seek to maintain its narrow majorities in Congress.
Analysts have warned that imposing the tariffs could push oil prices higher, adding to pressure on American consumers already facing increased costs linked partly to the US-Israeli war involving Iran.
China and India, two major buyers of Russian oil, have also raised concerns about the legislation.
Beijing has opposed what it describes as the application of foreign laws beyond a country’s jurisdiction, while India has warned that additional tariffs could affect its relations with Washington.
The decision has drawn criticism from US lawmakers who support tougher measures against Russia.
Democratic Representative Don Beyer accused Trump of weakening support for Ukraine and undermining Congress’s intention to punish Moscow for its invasion.
“Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” Beyer said in a statement.
Trump has also faced criticism over a recent agreement involving Russian diesel supplies, under which Washington agreed to lift sanctions on certain Russian exports in an effort to ease global fuel prices.
Russian officials have welcomed the US administration’s moves towards economic cooperation.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, described the latest waiver as “a truly historic moment” in a post on X.
The waiver leaves the administration with the option of introducing the measures later, while the war in Ukraine and disagreements over relations with Moscow continue to shape US foreign policy.
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