Sen. Darline Graham says she would keep pressure on Russia as Trump administration moves on sanctions penalties

President Donald Trump’s administration has taken steps affecting U.S. sanctions policy tied to Russia and the broader effort to lower fuel prices, drawing reactions from Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.). The Hill reported that Trump signed an executive action waiving certain penalties related to Russia, and Graham said she would prefer to keep sanctions pressure on Moscow rather than remove it.

In her remarks to The Hill, Graham said the goal is to end the war and reduce gas and diesel prices, and she characterized sanctions as a “tool” that can support those objectives. She did not indicate that she opposed any fuel-affordability measures, but her comments centered on whether sanctions penalties should remain in place.

Graham’s comments came as the White House posted an implementation action for the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Oct. 17. The White House description said the presidential action was issued under authorities including the Constitution, the act’s statutory provisions, and section 301 of title 3, U.S. Code, and it laid out determinations and orders for implementing the legislation.

Separate from the Russia sanctions implementation, the White House also announced earlier executive actions aimed at diesel affordability for American drivers. On Oct. 6, the White House said Trump signed an executive order authorizing highway use of tax-free dyed diesel and deferring the federal diesel excise tax through the end of the year, describing the change as temporary and intended to lower costs for truckers and farmers.

Taken together, the developments highlight a link lawmakers are drawing between foreign-policy leverage and consumer energy prices, even as the legal mechanisms differ. Sanctions are governed through authorities and requirements under U.S. law and presidential determinations, while the diesel action described by the White House focused on tax administration for a specific fuel arrangement for highway use during a limited period.

The Hill’s report on waiving Russia-related sanctions penalties was not accompanied in the provided materials by a White House or Federal Register confirmation of the specific waiver action. If that executive action or corresponding implementing guidance has not been published in official records, additional verification may be needed to confirm its scope, timing, and the exact penalties affected.