Trump Waives Key Russian Energy Tariffs and Sanctions Under New Graham Act

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving multiple Russia-related sanctions and tariffs shortly before they were scheduled to take effect under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation, signed in mid-September, mandated tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas within 30 days. Trump formally certified the waivers to Congress as vital to U.S. national interests to curb domestic fuel-driven inflation, following an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release millions of tons of diesel into global markets.