Trump Executive Order Waives New Russia Sanctions, Tariffs
The Facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving many Russia-related sanctions and tariffs days before they were due to take effect.
- "I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver is in the national interests of the United States and a report explaining the basis for the certification, consistent with section 115(b) of the Graham Act," Trump said.
- The order waives a 500% increase in duties on Russian goods and tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. The document does not specify how long the exemptions will remain in effect.
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The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Keeping sanctions loaded but holstered is smart statecraft; leverage works only when the trigger stays in the president's hands. The waiver clause exists precisely because diplomacy moves faster than statutes. Peace comes from the negotiating table, not autopilot tariffs that spike energy prices and punish allies before talks even get a chance.
Anti-Trump narrative
This is a grand betrayal. A sanctions law signed and then switched off weeks later amounts to capitulation to Putin and a betrayal of Ukraine. Congress wrote mandatory penalties for a reason, and shelving every one of them while keeping tariff powers in reserve turns a punishment bill into a personal bargaining chip.
Pro-Russia narrative
Trump's decision to waive bone-crushing sanctions on Russia signals a pragmatic shift. Moscow remains a vital energy partner, and its resources underpin global markets. By prioritizing national interests, Washington acknowledges that cooperation, rather than punitive measures, offers a more realistic path toward dialogue and mutual benefits.
