President Donald Trump is facing criticism from some Republican lawmakers after waiving key measures in a Russia sanctions law he signed last month, with some warning the move could undermine pressure on Moscow. Trump signed an executive order Friday evening waiving key sanctions and tariffs intended to pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine that began in February 2022. The decision drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while receiving praise from a senior Russian official.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision “beyond irresponsible.” “What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?” Tillis wrote on X Saturday. Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, also slammed the decision, writing on X: “Lindsey would be appalled.” Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, previously said in an exclusive interview with Newsweek that the proposal risks prolonging the war in Ukraine while doing little to lower fuel prices. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers previously told Newsweek that Trump has "successfully negotiated another great deal to supply the global market with massive amounts of diesel and bring prices down." She added: "Lowering prices for America’s great farmers, truckers, and families remains a top priority as the President simultaneously urges both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to stop strikes against refineries, which are driving up costs and hurting American consumers.” Newsweek reached out to the White House for further insight into the decision.
Patrick Casale, a senior adviser to Nevada GOP chairman Michael McDonald, told Newsweek that Trump’s decision is part of a broader effort to bring down fuel prices through measures including the recent diesel deal, while also seeking to end the war in Ukraine. He suggested the decision could help push both sides toward negotiations. Perhaps this will "motivate Ukraine and Russia to sit down and end the war,” Casale said.
Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18. The Friday executive order waives the application of several sanctions provisions and additional tariffs authorized under the law.
It also provides for 100 percent tariffs on goods from the five leading facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. The waiver means these additional duties, which were set to take effect Sunday, are not automatically imposed while it remains in effect. Trump has said the U.S. is working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict.
Trump also referenced his recent signing of the sanctions law, saying it gives him massive new tariff authorities. It's time to stop the killing,” he said. Zelensky criticized the decision Saturday, saying the United States had set aside legislation intended to pressure Moscow to end the war.
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