Nichols condemns the Graham Act waiver
Tom NicholsAtlantic writer and national-security scholar
Nichols argues that the waiver helps Russia without meaningfully reducing diesel prices.
“it makes no sense except as very poorly managed political theater.”
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
Interviews with Tom Nichols, Peter Harrell and Daniel Fried.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Chakrabarti asks about the waiver and diesel.
After the quotation
He distinguishes the U.S. government from the American public.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
He criticizes the waiver's strategic and economic justification.
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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
European Commission criticizes the Graham Act waiver
European Commission
“is regrettable and impairs international pressure on Russia to end its war.”Read statement
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- Nichols condemns the Graham Act waiver
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The Dispute Index. "Nichols condemns the Graham Act waiver". First published: 2026-11-03. Last updated: 2026-11-03. https://disputeindex.com/events/7998-nichols-argues-that-the-waiver-helps-russia-without