Overview
- President Trump signed an executive order on Friday that invoked Section 115 of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act to waive many sanctions, restrictions and tariffs that were due to take effect.
- The order suspends imminent 100% and 500% tariff threats and multiple sanctions provisions while keeping the statute on the books and preserving the president’s power to reinstate the measures.
- The administration framed the move as necessary to secure diesel supplies and lower U.S. fuel prices, following a separate arrangement to allow Russian diesel into global markets and an OFAC licence issued on October 9.
- Lawmakers from both parties and Ukraine advocacy groups have sharply criticized the waiver, sent letters demanding the White House reverse course or explain its national‑interest certification, and introduced measures to block the diesel deal.
- The pause creates legal, trade and diplomatic uncertainty by easing short‑term pressure on major buyers such as India and China, leaving USTR and Treasury monitoring roles active and raising the prospect of congressional fixes or future tariff reinstatement.