Wright defends the waiver as preserving sanctions powers for later use
Chris WrightUS energy secretary
Chris Wright defends the waiver by saying Trump retains the powers for use at an appropriate time.
“Because there's a lot of moving parts in this conflict right now, that those powers are all still there for him to be used at the appropriate time.”
Interview
Where this statement fits
Trump waives the Graham Act's Russia sanctions
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.
Source and context
Interview
About this source
Dana Bash asked specifically why Trump waived the Graham Act requirements, separating that question from the diesel deal.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Dana Bash asked why Trump acted on the Graham Act, separate from the diesel deal. Wright said the Act targets countries that trade with Russia, that the administration is in discussions with China, and that Trump had suspended enforcement rather than ending the sanctions. Bash then asked why.
After the quotation
Bash then moved on to gasoline prices.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Wright defends suspending enforcement as preserving flexibility in negotiations.
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More from this case
Read the full caseFried rejects easing sanctions without action by Russia
“unilateral concessions won't work.”Read statement
Harrell calls the broad sanctions waiver strategically flawed
“it's a deeply flawed strategic decision”Read statement
Nichols condemns the Graham Act waiver
“it makes no sense except as very poorly managed political theater.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Wright defends the waiver as preserving sanctions powers for later use". First published: 2026-10-20. Last updated: 2026-10-20. https://disputeindex.com/events/6236-chris-wright-defends-the-waiver-by-saying-trump