Graham breaks with Trump over Russia sanctions law
The gist
Republican senator Darline Graham criticized Trump for waiving the Russia sanctions law named for her late brother Lindsey.
The waiver shelves tariffs of up to 100% on Russian oil buyers.
How it unfolded
- Oct 9, 2026The Trump administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel to allow diesel exports to global markets.
- Oct 13, 2026A dozen senators, including Republicans Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Alan Armstrong, Lisa Murkowski and John Cornyn, urged Trump to rescind the diesel deal and implement the sanctions authorized by the law.
- Oct 16, 2026Trump signed an executive order waiving sanctions, restrictions and duties under the Graham Act, citing the national interest; the order put on hold provisions that could have allowed tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.