An executive order dated October 16 (EO 14436) waives the sanctions, restrictions and tariffs in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which President Trump signed into law on September 18. The law called for a 500% duty on Russian goods and 100% duties on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and on the top facilitators of sanctions evasion. The order says the president certified to Congress that the waivers are in the national interest; they stay in place until the administration decides further action is appropriate. Sanctions under earlier executive orders on Russia are not affected.

AP reports the waiver came days before the provisions were due to start and drew criticism from both parties. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called it "beyond irresponsible," noting the Senate passed the law 86-11, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump's "deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier." Congress is in recess until after Election Day. The waiver follows Trump's announced deal to import Russian diesel, which Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) has introduced a bill to block.