Key Highlights

  • Trump signed an executive order late on Oct 16 waiving new sanctions and tariffs on Russia under the Graham Act, citing U.S. national interests.
  • Zelenskyy condemned the waiver, and criticism also came from lawmakers in both parties.
  • Existing sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders are not affected.
  • Trump held a rally in Dalton, Georgia on Oct 16 and was set to speak in Highland Heights, Kentucky on Oct 17.
  • A rally for Sen. Roger Marshall in Park City, Kansas was scheduled for Oct 19.

A Busy Weekend on Policy and the Campaign Trail

President Donald Trump spent the weekend of Oct 16–19 balancing a high-profile foreign policy decision with a heavy campaign schedule, with the Nov. 3 midterm elections about two weeks away.

Russia Sanctions Waiver

Late on Friday, Oct 16, Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions and tariffs on Russia that were required under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Trump signed that law on Sept 18, after the House passed it on Sept 16.

In the order, Trump said he had submitted to Congress a certification that the Waiver was in the national interests of the United States. According to ABC News, the order waives every operative section of the law that relates to Russia. That includes tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and tariffs of up to 100% on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas. The order stays in effect until the administration determines that “further action is appropriate,” CNN reported.

The move came about a week after the administration announced a diesel arrangement with Russia. Under that arrangement, the administration temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel exports through April 2027, while Russia agreed to Supply diesel to global markets. The administration has said it is working to lower fuel prices, which have risen amid the U.S. war in Iran. The order does not affect Russia-related sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders.

Trump defended the decision on Saturday, calling it a “very good decision,” according to NBC News. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it gives the president time to study how the sanctions could affect the global economy. The Moscow Times reported that Rubio said Trump could take up to 60 days to weigh the matter.

Reaction at Home and Abroad

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the waiver as wrong and described it as a financial reward for Putin. He added that he expects further sanctions relief. Russia’s side said economic dialogue and peacemaking efforts will continue.

The decision also drew criticism in Washington. Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, said it handed a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. CNN reported that Sen. Darline Graham, whose late brother the law is named after, also voiced disagreement with the president. Earlier in October, Republicans and Democrats, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Michael McCaul, had urged Trump to use the sanctions law’s authorities rather than ease pressure on Moscow.

Rallies in Georgia, Kentucky and Kansas

Trump also kept up his midterm travel. He spoke at a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia on Friday, Oct 16.

On Saturday, Oct 17, he was scheduled to hold a rally in Highland Heights, Kentucky, according to the Republican National Committee. Rep. Andy Barr, the GOP nominee for the open Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell, said the White House had offered him a speaking slot. Barr faces Democrat Charles Booker.

On Monday, Oct 19, Trump was due to rally at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, Kansas, in support of Sen. Roger Marshall, with remarks expected at 6 p.m. Marshall is in a tight race with Democrat Adam Hamilton, and the Cook Political Report recently moved Kansas to toss-up. Trump had promised a “Kansas Style rally” for Marshall in a Truth Social post earlier in the month.

What to Watch Next

The Russia waiver has no fixed end date, and lawmakers from both parties have already signalled they want a say. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has said he plans to draft a bill to stop a president from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russian oil. On the campaign side, the final stretch before Nov. 3 is likely to keep Trump on the road, with Senate races in states such as Kansas drawing attention because of tight polling.

Details in fast-moving political stories can change quickly, so readers should check primary sources such as the White House, Truth Social and major news outlets for the latest.