On a Sunday interview with NBC's Meet the Press, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blasted European allies for refusing Washington's request to impose secondary tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil. He said the United States should not shoulder the burden alone, citing the Trump administration's spring outreach to European partners. Bessent added that President Trump wishes to end the Russia‑Ukraine war and that the Graham bill gives the president a 60‑day window to assess the situation.
The Treasury's pause comes after President Trump temporarily waived provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which would have imposed up to 100% tariffs on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. Bessent insisted no sanctions were lifted on Friday, noting that the executive order only granted a temporary pause. He also highlighted the administration's hard‑line sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, arguing that no other president has been tougher on Russian energy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the pause, saying the administration needed time to evaluate the global and domestic economic impact of new sanctions and tariffs. He referenced tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s war, Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, and the Russia‑Ukraine conflict as factors that could complicate any further measures.
Bessent accused European nations of financing Russia’s war by continuing to buy Russian oil and gas. He cited that 140 cargoes left Russia’s Yamal facility in the first six months of the year, with 136 destined for European countries such as Belgium, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, totaling more than $8 billion. In contrast, the United States imported only $4 billion worth of Russian products, including $1.8 billion in fertilizers, while Europe imported more than ten times that amount.
The pause drew sharp criticism from Indian‑American lawmakers Ami Bera and Suhas Subramanyam, who warned that it would weaken pressure on Russia and erode Congressional authority. When asked whether the U.S. considered Ukraine an ally, Bessent said the country provides intelligence, Starlink support and other assistance, implying a clear distinction between support for Ukraine and Russia.
The Treasury will keep the 60‑day suspension in place while the administration weighs the economic fallout, with a decision on whether to re‑impose tariffs expected before the end of the pause. Congress is slated to hold a hearing on the sanctions bill in the coming weeks, where lawmakers will debate the next steps.