President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday suspending sanctions against Russia and countries purchasing its oil and gas, actions that were scheduled to take effect under legislation he signed last month. Trump stated the waiver served the US national interest but did not specify when restrictions might be implemented, saying they would remain suspended pending further review by him or senior officials.
The decision drew swift condemnation from both parties. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called it "beyond irresponsible" and accused the administration of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tillis questioned on social media why the president and his advisers would not enforce a law passed 86-11 by the Senate. Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas said the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who championed the legislation, "would be appalled" by Trump's move.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts accused Trump of "thumbing his nose" at Congress and enabling Putin's war against Ukraine. Representative Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, said the waiver betrayed Ukraine and disregarded congressional intent to punish Russia for its 2022 invasion.
The legislation, named after Graham, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and would have imposed tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas or helping Moscow evade sanctions.
Trump's suspension followed his agreement to purchase Russian diesel fuel in an effort to lower US energy prices. Politicians from both parties have questioned whether the deal would reduce costs meaningfully while providing Moscow revenue to fund its war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the sanctions waiver on Saturday, stating that easing pressure on Russia would encourage further attacks. "Financial rewards for Putin, all of this only encourages him to keep attacking," he posted on X.
Congress is in recess until after November 3 midterm elections, limiting immediate opportunities to challenge the decision. Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to block the separate diesel deal with Russia.