WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday, Oct. 16, waiving most Russia-related provisions of a sanctions law he signed last month, two days before they were set to take effect.
Trump said he certified to Congress that the waiver was in the U.S. national interest. The White House said enforcing the sanctions could hinder efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. The order waives tariffs on Russian goods and major buyers of Russian oil and gas, along with sanctions targeting foreign banks and other financial activity. The waivers remain in place until Trump or the secretary of state decides further action is warranted.
The law passed with strong bipartisan support, including an 86-11 Senate vote. The order follows Trump’s announcement of a deal for Russian diesel imports, which he says could lower U.S. fuel prices. The Treasury Department separately authorized Russian diesel sales to the U.S. through April.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the waiver eases pressure on Russia and encourages further attacks. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called it “beyond irresponsible,” while Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said the late Sen. Lindsey Graham “would be appalled.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the move was “giving the Russian economy life support.” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., supported the waiver, saying Trump used authority Congress granted him.
The law was designed to pressure Russia and countries that continue buying its energy as Russia wages its war against Ukraine.