Hal Brands
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Trump suspends 'Graham Law' sanctions on Russia days before deadline
On October 16, 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the application of sanctions, restrictions and tariffs against Russia mandated by the so-called "Graham Law," using a waiver provision of the law and certifying to Congress that the waiver serves US national interests. The order formally establishes the tariffs but holds them in abeyance, leaving Trump the option to activate them later. The suspension comes ahead of the November 3 midterm elections and against a backdrop of record-high US diesel prices and a Russian diesel supply deal announced earlier in October.