President Donald Trump is backing a tough new bill that targets countries buying oil from Russia, according to Senator Lindsey Graham. In an interview, Graham confirmed that Trump supports his plan to impose a 500% tariff on nations that continue purchasing Russian energy.
“If you’re buying products from Russia and you’re not helping Ukraine, then there’s a 500 percent tariff on your products coming into the United States,” said Graham during the interview.
The goal of the bill is to cut off funding for Russia’s military operations by targeting its main source of income — oil exports. Graham pointed out that countries like China and India purchase more than 70% of Russia’s oil. According to him, their financial support must stop to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into peace talks.
Graham described Trump’s support as a “big breakthrough,” saying it strengthens the bill’s chances of becoming law. The proposal would give the U.S. President the power to penalize countries that do business with Russia while refusing to aid Ukraine.
????️???? Trump Torpedoes Canada Trade Pact Over Digital Services Tax in Stunning Turnaround
Sanctions Faced Delays Amid Global Tensions
Senator Graham first introduced the sanctions bill in April. It marked a shift in focus — targeting not just Russia itself, but also the buyers of its energy products. Despite strong language, the bill initially faced resistance.
Reports in early June suggested the Trump administration had concerns about the severity of the bill and asked for it to be toned down. Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Iran raised fears about global oil price spikes. These developments delayed the bill’s progress in Congress.
Now, with Trump reportedly backing the proposal, momentum has returned. Graham said Congress is expected to vote on the bill shortly after lawmakers return from their July recess on July 7.
“I think we’re in good shape,” Graham told. He expressed confidence that the legislation will pass and that President Trump will sign it once it reaches his desk.
Trump Hints at ‘Very Big’ Deal with India — But Will It Happen?
Targeting Global Oil Buyers with Tariffs
Under the proposed law, the United States could impose a 500% tariff on certain imports. This applies to countries still buying oil from Russia. It targets nations that do not support Ukraine. The bill gives the President the power to apply these penalties. The goal is to stop global support for Russia’s energy sector.
The aim is to make it financially painful for countries to keep doing business with Russia. Graham said this kind of economic pressure is needed to push Putin toward a peace agreement.
He explained that the bill focuses on Russia’s oil revenue because it fuels the country’s military activity. By hitting the countries that keep buying that oil — especially China and India — the U.S. hopes to reduce the resources available to Russia’s government.
Graham emphasized that the policy isn’t just about punishment. “We’re trying to get Putin to the table,” he said, underlining the bill’s diplomatic goal.
The proposed legislation marks one of the strongest U.S. efforts yet to involve global trade partners in pressuring Russia. If passed, it would allow the U.S. to impose some of the highest tariffs ever used in modern trade policy, all aimed at cutting off Russia’s war funding.