This one is real, and the ANI post is accurate, though it reads a little loosely. On October 16, 2026, Trump signed an executive order that waives the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 before its tariffs could start. The law was signed on September 18, and its 30-day clock was due to run out on October 18.
The order invokes Section 115 of the Act. Under that section the President can waive sanctions, restrictions and duties if he certifies to Congress that doing so serves the national interest and submits a report explaining why. Trump says he has done both. The published text gives little detail on the reasoning. The waiver covers the 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, which include India and China, and the 500% duty on goods imported directly from Russia. The order says the waiver stays in effect until Trump or his officials decide 'further action is appropriate', so the tariffs are suspended rather than repealed. Earlier sanctions under separate executive orders remain in place.
The timing matters. Trump has pitched a diesel deal with Moscow as a way to bring down fuel prices before the November midterms. Democrats and some Republicans have objected, saying the waiver looks like a favour to Putin. India's foreign ministry has said it wants stability in energy markets and has objected to the sanctions law.
For the primary text, the Graham Act's Section 115 is the place to check the exact wording.
🕒 As of October 2026
