Trump Waives Russia Measures for Economic Review

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, waiving key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries that buy Russian energy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would take up to 60 days to assess the measures’ economic effects before Trump decides whether to enforce them. Trump said Saturday that he had not announced a final decision. The waived measures were due to take effect the following week, with one report specifying Sunday, October 18, local time. The order does not set a fixed end date for the waiver. It says Trump or the secretary of state, in consultation with other officials as appropriate, may determine that further action is warranted. Rubio’s description of a review lasting up to 60 days refers to the assessment, not a stated duration for the waiver. The sanctions and tariffs were authorized under the Graham Act, which Trump signed last month. The law provides for sanctions targeting Russia and tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas. Rubio said the administration was weighing how imposing the measures could affect the U.S. and global economies, including energy markets and countries that rely on...