Was Trump right to waive the new Russia sanctions?
What this question is about
On 16 October 2026 President Trump waived the sanctions and tariffs that the Graham Act would have imposed on Russia two days later, including tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. A week earlier he had announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel to the US, and the Treasury had suspended sanctions on Russian diesel deliveries until April 2027. US diesel prices have nearly doubled this year.
The White House says enforcing the new sanctions would get in the way of talks to end the war in Ukraine. Critics in both parties, Ukraine’s president and the EU say it rewards Russia, eases pressure without anything in return and is driven by fuel prices before the midterm elections. A separate question is who should decide: the president alone, or Congress, which passed the law.
Positions
3 positions on this question, listed in no order of merit. Skim the summaries, then open one to see its reasons and evidence.
Enforce them: pressure is what moves Russia
The waiver is withdrawn, the Graham Act sanctions and tariffs take effect, and the diesel deal is cancelled.
3 reasons3 sources3 objections from other positions
Best-sourced reason
The waiver and the diesel deal give Russia money that helps it keep fighting in Ukraine.
Waive them while peace talks continue
The new statutory sanctions stay suspended while the US negotiates with Russia; sanctions from earlier executive orders remain in place and the waiver can be reversed.
3 reasons2 sources3 objections from other positions
Best-sourced reason
Tariffs of up to 100% on the biggest buyers of Russian oil would hit US trading partners and push fuel prices even higher.
Congress should decide, not the president alone
Whatever the policy, a change this large to Russia sanctions goes through congressional review before it takes effect.
2 reasons3 sources2 objections from other positions
Best-sourced reason
An existing law already requires congressional review of significant changes to Russia sanctions.
Where they clash
Objections one position raises against another’s reasons, most first.
Waive them while peace talks continue objects to Enforce them: pressure is what moves Russia
3 objectionsEnforce them: pressure is what moves Russia objects to Waive them while peace talks continue
3 objectionsWaive them while peace talks continue objects to Congress should decide, not the president alone
2 objections
Open questions
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Source requested · Waive them while peace talks continue
Relief given before any concession teaches Russia that delay pays off.
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Source requested · Congress should decide, not the president alone
Congress passed the Graham Act; one president shouldn’t be able to switch off its core sanctions on his own.
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Source requested · Waive them while peace talks continue
Secondary tariffs are meant to make buyers choose; if they cut back on Russian oil, few of the tariffs would ever be paid.
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Source requested · Congress should decide, not the president alone
Legal experts disagree on whether that review requirement covers a temporary licence and a statutory waiver.
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