Republicans and Democrats have criticized President Trump’s decision to suspend sanctions, saying it undermines support for Ukraine.
Published October 17, 2026
President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans for lifting sanctions targeting Russia and countries that buy Russian oil and gas, days before the restrictions were set to take effect under a law he signed last month.
In an executive order signed Friday, President Trump said the waiver was in the national interest of the United States. He did not say when the restrictions would be introduced, saying they would remain suspended until he or senior officials deemed further measures appropriate.
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The move has been condemned by both Democrats and Republicans.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called the decision “beyond irresponsible” and accused the administration of capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“What part of the implementation of the law passed by the Senate 86-11 is not understood by the President and his advisors?” Tillis wrote on social media on Saturday.
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn also criticized the move, and the late South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who sponsored the bill, said he would be “appalled.”
Rep. Don Beyer, Democrat of Virginia, said President Trump’s actions betrayed Ukraine and ignored Congress’ intent to punish Russia for its aggression.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., accused President Trump of “snorting” in Congress and allowing President Putin to continue his war against Ukraine, and called on lawmakers to take action to reverse the decision.
The bill, named after the late Sen. Graham, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. It could impose tariffs of up to 100% on products from countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas or help Russia evade sanctions. The bill was then signed into law by President Trump last month. Graham had been working on the bill for about a year before his sudden death earlier this year.
The decision comes shortly after President Trump agreed to a deal to buy Russian diesel to lower fuel prices that have risen amid the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Politicians from both parties doubt that the deal will significantly reduce energy costs while providing Russia with revenue to support the war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also criticized the lifting of sanctions on Saturday, saying that easing pressure on Russia would encourage further attacks.
“Financial rewards for President Putin – all this only encourages President Putin to continue his attacks,” Zelenskiy wrote on X, urging the US to maintain pressure on Moscow.
Congress is in recess until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, limiting immediate opportunities to challenge President Trump’s decisions. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced a bill that would block a separate diesel deal with Russia.
