Trump waives parts of new Russia sanctions law as White House cites national interest

President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions and tariff provisions under the newly enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, according to a White House presidential action issued Oct. 16, 2026. The move matters because the law was designed to expand pressure on Russia, yet the administration has now used one of its built-in waiver authorities to limit how much of that pressure takes effect immediately.

The order says Trump submitted a certification to Congress stating that the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. It applies to a range of sanctions, restrictions and duties under the act, while leaving in place other Russia-related measures that already existed under separate executive orders and sanctions programs.

The Graham Act was signed into law on Sept. 18, 2026, after Congress passed legislation authorizing and expanding sanctions, tariffs and other restrictions targeting Russia and Iran. The White House said the act also gives the president authority to waive sanctions provisions if the administration provides Congress with a written certification and a report explaining the decision.

What the waiver covers

In the Oct. 16 order, Trump waived the application of duties under sections 112 and 113 of the act, as well as sanctions provisions affecting foreign persons and broader restrictions on persons. He also waived additional sanctions sections listed in the order, including sections 102(a), 102(e), 103 through 111, and 117, according to the White House text. The order says those waivers do not affect sanctions already imposed under earlier executive actions addressing harmful foreign activity by the Russian government.

The same order also directs the U.S. Trade Representative, working with the secretaries of state, treasury and energy, to monitor Russian oil and gas purchases and related sanctions evasion concerns and report regularly to the president. Separate provisions in the order set out increased duties that could still apply if countries continue buying Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas after Oct. 18, 2026.

The waiver comes as the administration continues to adjust Russia sanctions policy through executive action and Treasury guidance. The Treasury Department’s sanctions pages and recent actions lists show ongoing updates to Russia-related programs and general licenses in October 2026, underscoring that the sanctions regime remains active even as portions of the new law are being waived.