Trump Signed the Russia Sanctions—Then Made Them Worthless
Published: October 17, 2026
Duration: 12:01
I examine Trump’s executive order waiving key Russia sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, the national-interest exemption, Russian oil and diesel trade, and what this means for Ukraine, Congress, Putin, and U.S. pressure on Moscow.
00:00 Trump’s Executive Order and the Graham Act
02:25 Congressional Intent and the Implementation Deadline
03:45 What the Executive Order Actually Waives
04:50 Executive Power and the National Interest
07:10 The Waiver Loophole in the Graham Act
08:45 Diesel Prices and Russian Refi...