Washington: US President Donald Trump has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers after waiving key sanctions and tariff provisions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The decision has raised questions about Washington’s policy towards Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The law, signed by Trump last month, allows the US to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas, including India and China. It also provides for higher tariffs on certain Russian imports.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office took a swipe at Trump over the decision, posting on X: “OK. Someone has to be getting paid by Putin. Who? And how much?”
Representative Don Beyer accused Trump of weakening pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and betraying Ukraine.
“Trump just waived all of the sanctions on Russia provided for in the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, just as I and others warned he would,” Beyer wrote on X.
He also called on Congress to amend the legislation, arguing that the president’s broad powers under the law could be used against US allies and trading partners.
Republican Representative Don Bacon also criticised the move, saying, “The President is prolonging the war, not ending it.”
Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, a vocal critic of Putin, also questioned Trump’s decision. He argued that easing pressure on Russia could prolong the war, cost more Ukrainian lives and harm global security.
Trump Cites US National Interest
Trump issued an order on October 16 invoking Section 115 of the Graham Act, which allows the president to waive certain sanctions and trade restrictions after certifying that the decision serves US national interests.
In the order, Trump said he had submitted the required certification and a report to Congress explaining the basis for his decision.
The waiver covers specified duties under Sections 112 and 113 of the law. These provisions allow tariffs of up to 500 per cent on certain Russian imports and up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
The decision does not repeal the law but suspends the application of the specified provisions under the waiver.
Russian Diesel Deal Adds to Debate
The move comes amid Trump’s announcement of a diesel supply deal with Russia, as fuel prices rise in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes thereafter.
The deal has added to criticism from lawmakers who argue that easing restrictions could provide Moscow with additional revenue while the war in Ukraine continues.
India Had Raised Concerns Over Tariff Threat
India had also raised concerns with Washington over the Graham Act because of the possible impact on countries importing Russian energy.
On Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi had conveyed its objections to the US government.
“We have already conveyed to the US side our concerns regarding the SRIA legislation,” Jaiswal said.
The tariff provisions had raised concerns in India over the possibility of additional US duties on its exports because of its purchases of Russian-origin oil and gas.
Trump’s latest order removes the immediate threat of duties under the provisions covered by the waiver. However, the wider debate over US sanctions policy, Russian energy trade and support for Ukraine continues.