US President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia, which Congress had overwhelmingly approved for supporting Ukraine
The order also granted a waiver from 100% tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Earlier reporting noted: On Friday (October 16, 2026), Mr. Trump signed an executive order exempting Russia from a new sanctions measure – Graham Act – that the U.S.
US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to exempt Russia from sweeping sanctions under a new law, calling it a “very good decision” amid criticism from lawmakers across party lines. “A lot of you don’t know what my decision is yet, but we’ll figure it out, and you’ll figure it out,” Trump said, news agency PTI reported. “Personally, I would choose to put the pressure on Russia to end the war and get gas prices down, because I don’t trust Putin, and I don’t trust Russia,” she said. President Donald Trump said he had taken a “good decision” to exempt Russia from sweeping sanctions under a new law and asserted that many did not know what it actually meant. Earlier reporting noted: “It’s a very good decision, and it’s going to be a decision that’s good for the country, and I think good for the world because we’re really at a world stage,” Mr. Trump said.
Republican Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina questioned the decision, saying she would prefer to maintain pressure on Moscow to end the war and bring down energy prices. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts accused Trump of disregarding Congress and enabling Putin to continue Russia’s war against Ukraine. Congress passed last month .
Earlier reporting noted: Many don’t know what my decision is: Donald Trump on sanctions waiver to Russia Facing intense criticism, U.S. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Saturday evening, Trump said the implications of his decision were not yet fully understood. Trump on Friday signed an executive order exempting Russia from a new sanctions measure passed by Congress last month.