Trump Signs Executive Order Exempting Russia from Sanctions and Tariffs
nashnova research
Trump signed an executive order on October 17 waiving the core sanctions and tariffs under the Lindsey Graham Russia-Iran Sanctions Act days before they took effect, calling it "in the national interest" — effectively shelving the congressional pressure campaign against Russia at the executive level.
What exactly does this executive order waive?
The act was set to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas within 30 days of taking effect, and to penalize countries knowingly buying Russian energy or helping Moscow evade sanctions.
Trump's executive order, signed days before the act's effective date, suspends all of those provisions.
The waiver has no expiration date — it stays in force until Trump or a senior official decides "further action is needed."
In plain terms = Congress passed a law to punish Russia; the president hit pause before it kicked in, with no date set to hit play.
What does this mean for China and India?
China and India are Russia's largest energy buyers and would have been the first hit by the new tariffs.
China said it "consistently opposes extraterritorial jurisdiction lacking a basis in international law"; India warned the tariffs could damage bilateral relations.
This means → the waiver temporarily lifts tariff pressure on both countries, but sanctions can snap back the moment the White House changes its assessment.
Why waive the sanctions now?
Analysts noted that activating Russia sanctions weeks before U.S. midterm elections could push oil prices higher.
American consumers are already paying elevated energy costs linked to the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran — another price spike would hurt the ruling party's prospects.
This reflects a political trade-off: the White House chose "keep domestic fuel prices down" over "look tough on Russia."
How have Congress and critics responded?
Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, said Trump had "surrendered to Putin again," "betraying our Ukrainian partners and defying the clear legislative intent of Congress to punish Russia's illegal war of aggression."
Trump had already drawn criticism — including from some Republican senators — for a separate diesel deal that lifted export sanctions on Russia in exchange for Russian diesel supplies to global markets.
The critics' core argument: easing sanctions effectively funds Russia's war effort.
What happens next?
The waiver has no end date; whether sanctions restart depends entirely on a reassessment by the White House.
Congress passed the law, but the executive order has neutralized it — unless lawmakers push new legislation to override the presidential waiver, this pressure track is blocked.
This means → Russia sanctions have shifted from "automatic legal enforcement" to "the president's call," moving the center of gravity from Congress back to the White House.
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