Trump is about to get 'unchecked authority' to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top trading partners
The U.S. Senate has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, which grants the president broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on top importers of Russian energy. While intended to pressure Russia, the bill has sparked debate over the expansion of executive power regarding trade policy.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant shift in trade policy and executive authority, potentially impacting global trade relations with major allies and partners.
Courts have blocked President Donald Trump’s earlier attempts to use existing laws for his trade war, but Congress is advancing a new law that would provide broad discretion to impose steep tariffs.
In an 86-to-11 vote, the Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 on Friday, with the House expected to approve the bill with similar bipartisan support next month.
It sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Kremlin officials while also targeting the country’s energy sector to cripple the economy amid its war on Ukraine.
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