Trump signed a sweeping new sanctions law Friday. Then he immediately waived it. Here is the story, in photos.
Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons
Trump issued an executive order implementing - then suspending - the new Russia sanctions law. (File photo from an Aug. 10, 2026 signing.)
Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons (file photo)
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 became law on Sept. 18, aimed at pressuring Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (file photo)
The law authorized duties of up to 500% on goods imported from the Russian Federation itself.
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The five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas faced 100% duties on new purchases made after Oct. 18, 2026.
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The top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion faced a 100% duty increase as well.
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Trump certified to Congress that waiving the measures serves the US national interest - days before the Oct. 18 deadline.
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Section 4 of the order suspends the new duties and sanctions. Earlier US sanctions on Russia stay in force.
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The waivers remain until Trump or senior officials decide further action is appropriate - they can be revived any time.
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Days earlier, Trump announced a Russian diesel deal: 300,000+ tons immediately, with millions more tons to follow.
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Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the waiver on X as an 'important and truly historic moment.'
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The US Trade Representative will monitor countries' Russian energy purchases and report back to the President.
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