Trump Faces Bipartisan Criticism as GOP Senators Oppose Russia Sanctions Waiver

Former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette analyzed the market implications of President Donald Trump’s reported agreement with Russia regarding diesel supplies. Lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, have urged the administration to abandon the contentious deal.

President Donald Trump’s decision to waive new sanctions against Russia has drawn sharp criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, with several prominent GOP figures warning that the move could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, legislation he signed into law last month aimed at increasing economic pressure against Moscow.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, waiving certain sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“There are certain decisions that will go down as history-defining moments. This is one of them. It’s a terrible misjudgment of Putin, who has made it clear he wants to destroy the West. We shouldn’t help him do it,” Haley posted on X.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also criticized the decision during an appearance on Saturday on Fox News.

“Look, I wish the president hadn’t done it. I think it was a mistake,” Cruz said.

Cruz acknowledged that Trump was likely focused on rising fuel costs, including diesel and gasoline prices.

When asked by Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie whether he would advise Trump against waiving the sanctions, Cruz responded: “I would, yes.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin faced renewed scrutiny after President Donald Trump waived certain sanctions targeting Moscow, drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

Trump wrote in the order that the waiver was in the “national interests of the United States.”

When asked on Saturday by reporters about his decision to waive the sanctions, Trump defended his approach.

“A lot of you don’t know what my decision is yet, but we’ll figure it out, and you’ll figure it out,” Trump said.

“It’s a very good decision, and it’s going to be a decision that’s good for the country, and I think good for the world because we’re really at a world stage,” he added.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called the decision “beyond irresponsible.”

“What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?” Tillis wrote on X. “It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain Russia sanctions, saying he believed the move was a mistake. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who helped draft the Graham Act, also criticized Trump’s decision, accusing the president of turning his back on lawmakers and European allies.

“These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, and everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” Blumenthal said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Saturday that the sanctions relief could encourage Moscow to continue its attacks on Ukraine.

“The decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “It definitely helps only the Russians.”

“It only fuels their satisfaction and their desire to keep killing people,” he added.

The waiver comes amid rising diesel and gasoline prices linked to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Trump recently reached an agreement with Putin under which Russia would release millions of tons of diesel into global markets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain Russia sanctions, warning that the move could encourage Moscow to continue its attacks. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton / Reuters)

Friday’s executive order does not affect certain Russia-related sanctions imposed under previous executive orders.

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who succeeded her late brother, also expressed disagreement with Trump’s decision.

“Personally, I would choose to keep the pressure on Russia,” she told reporters, according to Reuters. “Because I don’t trust Putin and I don’t trust Russia.”

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