Trump halts tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil to lower energy prices

President Donald Trump has blocked upcoming tariffs and sanctions against major buyers of Russian energy from taking effect, using executive authority to suspend parts of a recently enacted bipartisan law.

The measures, part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act signed late last month, were scheduled to impose 100 percent tariffs on Sunday against the five largest global purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. Major buyers targeted by the legislation include China, India, and Turkey. The European Union has also previously been a significant purchaser of Russian natural gas, though it has reduced intake in recent years.

Trump issued an executive order on Friday to prevent those penalties from taking effect, according to CBS News. He notified Congress that waiving sections of the legislation was in the national interest of the United States, utilizing a provision in the law that permits such presidential exemptions.

In addition to halting penalties on foreign buyers, the president paused 500 percent duties on Russian products alongside several other sanctions. He stated that the exemptions will stay active until his administration decides additional measures are warranted, while instructing officials to keep track of nations importing Russian energy or circumventing existing restrictions.

The shift comes as the administration attempts to lower domestic energy expenses. Oil costs have remained elevated following increases linked to conflict involving Iran, leading Trump to seek access to Russian supplies. Just one week earlier, the administration relaxed restrictions on Russian diesel and disclosed an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Vladimir Putin to bring Russian diesel into the American market.

These actions represent a notable pivot from long-standing American policy, which had focused on curbing Russian energy revenue to limit funding for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Trump has contended that the ongoing hostilities in Eastern Europe have elevated fuel prices worldwide. Last weekend, he declared an energy ceasefire and called on both nations to stop striking each other's power and fuel infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had initially signaled openness to the infrastructure pause. However, following continued Russian strikes, Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces would resume targeting Russian oil refineries. Trump subsequently criticized the Ukrainian leader, remarking that he was not a fan of Zelenskyy.

The administration's recent waivers have prompted swift criticism on Capitol Hill. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers previously condemned the easing of diesel restrictions, describing it as a betrayal of Ukraine. The senators had urged Trump to enforce the measures mandated in the Graham legislation, arguing that economic penalties on Russia and top importers like China are vital to maintaining leverage and bringing the war to an end.