WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has waived new sanctions and import duties under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, according to an executive order dated October 16.
The order invokes the law’s waiver authority and says the administration certified to Congress that the decision serves U.S. national interests. It directs officials to monitor Russian energy purchases and sanctions evasion, leaving room for later action.
Earlier sanctions remain in place
The waiver does not erase every U.S. restriction on Russia. The order explicitly preserves sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders addressing harmful Russian government activity. Its new waivers remain effective until the president or designated officials decide further action is appropriate.
The Associated Press reported October 17 that lawmakers from both parties criticized the move. With Congress in recess until after Election Day, the timing of any legislative response remains uncertain.
The immediate development is a pause in the new measures, rather than a complete end to the existing sanctions framework.
Sources: White House executive order, October 16; Associated Press, October 17.
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