Trump waives new Russia sanctions before they take effect

President Donald Trump has waived key U.S. sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia's economy before they took effect.

The executive order is dated Oct. 16 and puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package. The measures covered include duties on Russian goods. AP Reuters

The White House published the order on Oct. 17 as Implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The White House lists it as a presidential action and executive order dated Oct. 16. The document cites Section 115 of the law, which authorizes the president to waive the application of any sanctions provision with respect to a foreign person. White House

The sanctions and tariffs covered by the waiver were imposed under the Graham Act. Trump had signed that law the previous month. Reuters

The decision drew outrage and concern from members of Congress. AP

NPR host Leila Fadel asked Democratic Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia about the decision to waive new sanctions on Russia. The conversation aired on Morning Edition on Oct. 19. NPR

Beyer and Rep. Gregory Meeks had raised concerns earlier about Senate passage of sanctions legislation. In an Aug. 7 statement, they reiterated those concerns and said the bill's sanctions still left Trump with broad waiver authority. House

Zelenskiy criticized the waiver. Reuters

Rubio said Trump would take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions. Reuters