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Trump Defends Decision to Waive Russia Sanctions Amid Heavy Criticism
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News18•18-10-2026, 09:30
Trump Defends Decision to Waive Russia Sanctions Amid Heavy Criticism
- •US President Donald Trump defended his decision to exempt Russia from sweeping sanctions under the newly passed Graham Act, stating it was a good decision for the country and the world.
- •The executive order signed by Trump also grants a waiver from 100 percent tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
- •The decision drew sharp bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, including Republicans and Democrats who overwhelmingly passed the sanctions legislation.
- •Senators such as Darline Graham, Thom Tillis, John Cornyn, and Elizabeth Warren strongly condemned the move, accusing the administration of capitulating to Russia and enabling Vladimir Putin.
Key Questions Answered
President Donald Trump signed an executive order exempting Russia from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act passed by Congress, which had initially proposed sweeping penalties and tariffs on Russian energy exports and its top buyers.
The executive order granted a waiver from 100 percent tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, which notably includes major buyers like China and India.
Trump's decision faced severe bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers like Senator Darline Graham and Senator Thom Tillis calling the move irresponsible and arguing that it capitulates to Russia and ignores a law overwhelmingly passed by the Senate.
