Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
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Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The White House says waiving the Graham Act's Russia measures preserves room for peace negotiations. Lawmakers from both parties and Volodymyr Zelenskyy say relief weakens pressure on Russia. Thomas Massie welcomes Trump's use of the authority Congress granted.
Read the full background
Trump's October 16 executive order invokes the Act's waiver provisions before new Russia measures were due to take effect. Section 115 permits waivers subject to a prior national-interest certification and explanatory report. The order says the required submission was made; we have not obtained that submission. Section 117 separately addresses termination. The order does not itself remove every sanction imposed under earlier executive orders, and its waiver has no stated 60-day expiry. Critics dispute the policy and its consequences; the existence of waiver authority does not resolve that disagreement. The earlier Russian diesel authorization is a separate decision.
People in this case
Donald TrumpDirectly involved
Thomas MassieDirectly involved
Thom TillisDirectly involved
Volodymyr ZelenskyyDirectly involved
Timeline
2 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 18, 2026 to October 16, 2026
September 2026
Graham Act becomes law
Source release
Public Law 119-111 creates sanctions and tariff measures, alongside statutory waiver and termination procedures.
[01]Public Law 119-111: Graham Act
Section 115 provides waiver authority and certification and reporting requirements. Section 117 separately addresses termination.
Public Law 119-111: Graham ActSections 115 and 117
October 2026
Trump signs waiver of Graham Act Russia measures
Incident
The executive order invokes waiver authority before new Russia measures take effect. It says the required national-interest submission was sent to Congress.
[02]Executive order waiving Graham Act Russia measures
The order invokes statutory waiver authority and distinguishes the new Act from sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders.
Executive order waiving Graham Act Russia measuresSections 1 and 4
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
The White House
Enforcing the Graham Act sanctions now would impede U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable peace agreement.
What is disputed
The White House offers this justification for the waiver. Critics argue that relief instead reduces pressure on Russia.
Sources (2)
- Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphs
- Executive order waiving Graham Act Russia measuresSections 1 and 4
Arguments
Documented position
White House explanation attributed to Taylor Rogers
Room for negotiation
The White House argues that imposing the measures now would obstruct negotiations, while waiver authority preserves options.
Limit of this argument
The existence of legal discretion does not establish that relief will produce a peace agreement.
Read sources and related claim
Related claim
Enforcing the Graham Act sanctions now would impede U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable peace agreement.
Sources
- Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphs
- Executive order waiving Graham Act Russia measuresSections 1 and 4
Documented position
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and William Taylor
Relief can reduce pressure
Zelenskyy and Taylor argue that easing sanctions helps Russia continue fighting rather than creating incentives to end the war.
Limit of this argument
Their policy objection does not establish that the statute forbids waivers.
Read sources and related claim
Related claim
Enforcing the Graham Act sanctions now would impede U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable peace agreement.
Sources
- Zelenskyy responds to the Graham Act waiverOriginal post at 10:59 a.m. Eastern
- William Taylor discusses Russia sanctions on CNNOpening interview, approximately 00:04-00:09 ET
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
10 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Nikki HaleyFormer U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Before this statement
Haley's post quotes a Fox Business post on Trump's waiver of many Russia sanctions and tariffs under the Graham-backed law, and calls the decision one that will go down as a history-defining moment.
"It's a terrible misjudgment of Putin"
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Haley calls the decision to waive the Graham Act's Russia sanctions a terrible misjudgment of Putin and says Putin wants to destroy the West.
After the statement
The post goes on to say Putin has made clear a wish to destroy the West and should not be helped to do it.
Nikki Haley criticizes Russia sanctions reliefOriginal post at 2:20 p.m. EasternWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Haley calls the decision a terrible misjudgment of Putin and says Putin should not be helped.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident of UkraineDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Zelenskyy says sanctions relief will continue, praises Graham, thanks lawmakers of both parties who supported the bill and says the decision to undo it seems wrong and helps only the Russians.
"This certainly does not stop the war."
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Zelenskyy criticizes blocking the bipartisan sanctions law as helping Russia rather than ending the war.
After the statement
The post ends by saying the remarks come from answers to journalists' questions. It is the first of three posts.
Zelenskyy responds to the Graham Act waiverOriginal post at 10:59 a.m. EasternWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act Russia measures. Zelenskyy criticizes blocking the bipartisan sanctions law as helping Russia rather than ending the war.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Thomas MassieU.S. representative from KentuckyDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Massie recalls voting against the sanctions bill before welcoming its waiver.
"Glad to see Trump has used the executive authority granted to him by Congress to waive almost all of the provisions"
Defended or excusedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Massie welcomes the waiver and invokes the executive authority Congress granted in the law Massie voted against.
After the statement
Massie ends the sentence by disparaging the law and naming the provisions that pertain to Russia. The post links an ABC News report on the House passing the Russia and Iran sanctions bill championed by Graham.
Thomas Massie welcomes the Graham Act waiverOriginal post, October 17 at 10:21 a.m. EasternWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Massie welcomes the waiver and invokes the executive authority Congress granted in the law Massie voted against.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
The White HouseWhite House statement attributed to spokesperson Taylor RogersBefore this statement
The statement says Trump wants the war to end and that, as talks continue, the Act gives the President additional authorities to pursue a peaceful resolution.
"Enforcing the sanctions provisions now would impede ongoing U.S. efforts"
Defended or excusedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
The White House says enforcing the sanctions now would impede U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, and that Trump can still use the authorities at any time.
After the statement
The sentence ends by naming the goal of a durable and comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The statement adds that the President can use these authorities at any time on finding that doing so would advance national interests.
Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphsWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. The White House justifies the waiver by saying enforcement now would impede peace negotiations.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Thom TillisU.S. senator from North CarolinaDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Tillis responds to Trump's order waiving the Graham Act's Russia sanctions two days before they were due to take effect.
"Beyond irresponsible"
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Tillis says the administration should enforce a law the Senate passed 86-11 and calls the waiver a capitulation to a Russian dictator.
After the statement
Tillis asks why the administration does not understand the need to enforce a law the Senate passed 86-11, and says the administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator.
Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphsWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Tillis calls the waiver beyond irresponsible and a capitulation to a Russian dictator.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Chuck SchumerU.S. senator from New York and Senate Democratic leaderBefore this statement
Schumer calls the waiver the best birthday gift Putin will get this year and says it props up the Russian economy.
"deal with the devil"
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Schumer calls the waiver a birthday gift to Putin that props up the Russian economy.
After the statement
Schumer says the deal keeps getting dirtier.
Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphsWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Schumer criticizes the waiver as a gift to Putin that props up the Russian economy.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
William B. Taylor Jr.Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Before this statement
CNN anchor Brian Abel asks Taylor about Trump's executive order waiving a further slate of Russia sanctions that were due to take effect in the coming days.
"Well, Brian, it's inexplicable that the United States would take these actions, that the President would take these actions in support of Russia."
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Taylor calls Trump's waiver of the Graham Act sanctions inexplicable, lists it with the earlier diesel waiver as actions in support of Russia, and says Trump should put pressure on Putin to end the war.
After the statement
Taylor goes on to name the waiver of the Graham bill, which Taylor says Congress passed overwhelmingly, and the earlier waiver that let Russia sell diesel. Later in the interview, Taylor says Trump should put pressure on Putin rather than give Putin gifts.
William Taylor discusses Russia sanctions on CNNOpening interview, approximately 00:04-00:09 ETWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Taylor calls the waiver an inexplicable action in support of Russia and says ending the war requires pressure on Putin.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Chris SampsonJournalist and author of The Wire Tap Before this statement
Sampson lists questions for Congress, including a call to take the open-ended waiver out of the statute, then writes that the law remains on the books and that the waiver can be reversed with a single order.
"What’s missing is a president who wants Russia to pay for this war."
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Sampson criticizes Trump's waiver and asks Congress to remove the statute's open-ended waiver.
After the statement
Sampson writes that the point will be repeated until the pattern breaks, and that it has not broken yet.
Chris Sampson criticizes the Graham Act waiverWaiver-authority and congressional-response sectionsWhy this label?
Sampson rejects this use of the waiver and asks Congress to remove the open-ended authority that allowed it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
John CornynU.S. senator from TexasBefore this statement
Cornyn responds to Trump's order waiving the Graham Act's Russia sanctions.
"Lindsey would be appalled"
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Cornyn says Graham would be appalled by Trump's order waiving the Graham Act's Russia sanctions.
After the statement
Cornyn's post links a New York Times report on Trump's order exempting Russia from the sanctions law.
John Cornyn says Lindsey Graham would be appalledOriginal post, October 17 at 7:31 a.m. EasternTrump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respondWhite House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphsWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Cornyn expresses disapproval of the waiver by saying Graham would be appalled by it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Don BeyerU.S. representative from VirginiaBefore this statement
Beyer's post opens by saying Trump just waived all of the Russia sanctions in the Graham Act, as Beyer and others had warned.
"Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners"
CondemnedCase context: Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
Full statement and sources
Beyer calls the waiver a surrender to Putin that betrays Ukraine and says Congress must fix the law so that it supports Ukraine.
After the statement
Beyer says the waiver defies Congress's intent for a law meant to punish Russia, warns that the law also lets Trump use new trade powers against allies, and says Congress must fix the law.
Don Beyer criticizes the Graham Act waiverOriginal post at 10:11 p.m. EasternWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions. Beyer calls the waiver a surrender to Putin that betrays Ukraine and says Congress must fix the law.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(10)
Official statement
Executive order waiving Graham Act Russia measures
Relevant passage: Sections 1 and 4
About this source
The order invokes statutory waiver authority and distinguishes the new Act from sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
John Cornyn says Lindsey Graham would be appalled
About this source
Cornyn shares a New York Times report on Trump's order exempting Russia from the sanctions law and says Graham would be appalled.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Thomas Massie welcomes the Graham Act waiver
About this source
Massie welcomes the waiver, invokes the authority Congress granted and criticizes the underlying sanctions law.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Don Beyer criticizes the Graham Act waiver
About this source
Beyer criticizes the waiver as a surrender to Putin and says Congress must fix the law.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Zelenskyy responds to the Graham Act waiver
About this source
The post reproduces remarks from answers to journalists and criticizes blocking the bipartisan sanctions law.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Nikki Haley criticizes Russia sanctions relief
About this source
Haley's post quotes a Fox Business post about Trump's waiver of the Graham Act's Russia sanctions and calls the decision a terrible misjudgment of Putin.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Chris Sampson criticizes the Graham Act waiver
Relevant passage: Waiver-authority and congressional-response sections
About this source
Sampson recognizes the statutory waiver power while criticizing its use. His statements about presidential motives are analysis.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
William Taylor discusses Russia sanctions on CNN
Relevant passage: Opening interview, approximately 00:04-00:09 ET
About this source
Taylor criticizes sanctions relief and argues for pressure on Putin. The interview also addresses separate disputes about military assistance.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump waives Graham Act sanctions; lawmakers respond
Relevant passage: White House statement and congressional-reaction paragraphs
About this source
Nicholas Kerr reports the waiver and direct responses from the White House and members of Congress. Some congressional remarks are quoted without their original posting times.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Public Law 119-111: Graham Act
Relevant passage: Sections 115 and 117
About this source
Section 115 provides waiver authority and certification and reporting requirements. Section 117 separately addresses termination.
- Published
- Accessed
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- Title
- Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
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The Dispute Index. "Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions". First published: 2026-10-19. Last updated: 2026-10-19. https://disputeindex.com/cases/trump-graham-act-russia-sanctions-waiver