Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
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Trump waives Russia sanctions under 'Graham Law' two days before they take effect
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, waiving the application of sanctions, restrictions and tariffs provided for under the 'Lindsey Graham Act' just two days before they were due to take effect. Trump cited US national interests and invoked a waiver provision in the law itself. The order formally establishes the tariffs but suspends their application, leaving Trump the option to activate them later. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the move as a 'sanctions blackout,' while Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of the law, accused Trump of siding with 'a bloodthirsty thug.'