President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to waive the tariffs and sanctions established by the Graham Act. This move, intended to address rising fuel costs, has drawn intense condemnation from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

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The 86-11 Senate mandate for 100% tariffs

The Graham Act was designed to penalize major buyers of Russian energy through tariffs reaching up to 100%. As reported by the source, the legislation passed the Senate with an overwhelming 86-11 majority this summer. By waiving these duties, President Trump is effectively overriding a bipartisan consensus intended to squeeze Russian oil and gas revenue.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) described the administration's decision to bypass this law as "unconscionable," arguing that it signals a capitulation to Vladimir Putin. The report says that Tillis criticized the move for ignoring the clear will of the Senate, which had voted decisively to enforce these economic pressures.

Mike Rogers' skepticism over Michigan's diesel prices

Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers has emerged as a notable Republican critic of the administration's energy strategy. While Rogers acknowledges the need to lower soaring diesel prices for Michigan residents, he expressed doubt that waiving the Graham Act sanctions will achieve that goal. According to the report, Rogers suggested that instead of easing pressure on Russia, the U.S. should consider a temporary ban on diesel exports and agricultural rebates to help domestic consumers.

Rogers maintains that while lowering costs is vital, the administration should not "give Putin an inch." He remains skeptical that the current strategy will deliver the economic relief the president intends for American drivers.

Nikki Haley and Zelenskyy's warnings of a "history-defining" misjudgment

International leaders and former officials are warning that the waiver could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the relief "definitely helps only the Russians" and could embolden Moscow's ongoing attacks. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley echoed this sentiment, labeling the executive order a "terrible misjudgment" of Vladimir Putin's intentions. She noted that such decisions often go down as history-defining moments.

The criticism has also come from within the Republican party's traditional foreign policy circles. Notable voices expressing disagreement include:

  • Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.): Called the move "unconscionable."
  • Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): Stated he would advise against the waiver.
  • Senator Darline Graham (R-S.C.): Stated she does not trust Putin or Russia.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Warned the move helps only Moscow.

Will the Putin diesel deal actually lower American pump prices?

The administration's primary justification for the waiver rests on a recent agreement with Vladimir Putin to release millions of tons of diesel into the global market. While the goal is to mitigate fuel shortages , several critical questions remain unaddressed by the executive order. First, it is unclear how much of this Russian supply will actually reach American consumers versus being diverted to other global markets. Second, the administration has not specified how this move will interact with ongoing tensions in Iran, which Mike Rogers noted also contributes to high diesel costs. finally, the report does not clarify if this waiver will trigger retaliatory measures from European allies who supported the original Graham Act.