Trump waives Russian energy sanctions amid backlash

Deal with Putin secures Russian diesel for global market

The waiver follows an agreement between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports and bring additional supplies onto global markets. Russia will supply hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel as part of this deal.

Over 300,000 tons of the fuel were provided immediately. Additional shipments are planned for November.

Lawmakers condemn move as craven and cowardly

Senator Richard Blumenthal, who co-authored the Lindsey Graham Act with the late Senator Lindsey Graham, criticised the decision on X. He described the waiver as a "craven, cowardly action".

Blumenthal accused the president of "sucking up to Vladimir Putin" rather than prioritising national security. He stated that he hopes his Republican colleagues will join him in condemning the action.

Beyer and Bacon accuse Trump of betraying Ukraine

Representative Don Beyer described the waiver as a "surrender to Putin" and a betrayal of Ukraine. He stated that the decision went against congressional intent to punish Russia for its aggression.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also criticised the move, accusing the president of "prolonging the war, not ending it". Bacon argued that the decision serves to prolong the ongoing conflict in Ukraine rather than bringing it to a conclusion.

Strategy to lower fuel prices before midterm elections

The administration’s decision to utilise Russian diesel supplies is intended to lower fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. These elections are scheduled for November 2026.

The waiver comes less than three weeks before the midterms. Diesel fuel prices have increased by almost 70% since the war in Iran began in February.

Bypassing the Lindsey Graham Act

The executive order signed on 16 October follows the passage of the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia Act last month. The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, authorised the United States to impose duties of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

It targeted Russian officials, oligarchs and financial institutions to curb funding for the war against Ukraine.

Trump expresses frustration with Ukraine and Zelenskyy

President Trump has blamed Ukraine for rising fuel costs, citing their attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure. He has downplayed the impact of the Iran war on the oil market in his public comments.

The president also criticised President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for failing to reach an agreement with Vladimir Putin to end the war. These remarks come amid a widening rift between the United States and Ukraine.

Newsom and Darline Graham reactions

California Governor Gavin Newsom questioned on social media who was being paid by Vladimir Putin following the decision to waive the sanctions.

Senator Darline Graham of South Carolina, who co-sponsored the legislation named after her late brother, has not criticised the president for the deal. She has also remained silent on the decision to halt the previously established sanctions.

White House submits justification report to Congress

The White House submitted an unclassified report to Congress to justify the waiver. This action was required by the legislation passed last month.