Trump waives most of new Russia sanctions law, drawing fire from both parties

President Donald Trump has waived most of the penalties in a Russia sanctions law he signed a month ago, an order that has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties.

The executive order, signed Friday and posted by the White House on Saturday, puts into effect the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and then waives most of it. The law's penalties were due to take effect on Oct. 18.

What the order does

According to the order's text on WhiteHouse.gov:

• It sets 500% duties on Russian goods and 100% duties on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas, then waives those duties.
• It waives most of the law's other sanctions, citing the national interest.
• The waivers have no end date and stay in place until the president or the secretary of state changes them.
• Russia sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders are not affected.

ABC News reported it is the second such waiver in two weeks and that the administration has tied the moves to easing diesel prices.

The reaction

Trump told reporters Saturday it was "a very good decision," Fox Business reported. A White House spokesperson told ABC News the law gives the president tools to pursue peace.

Critics included Republicans. Sen. Thom Tillis called the move "beyond irresponsible," and Sen. Ted Cruz said it was a mistake, according to ABC News and Fox Business. On CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio said the waiver should be reversed and examined by Congress.

Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, also condemned it. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, welcomed the waiver, Fox Business reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the step only fuels Russia's desire to keep fighting, ABC News reported.