Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn't mince words Friday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving Russia sanctions under the Graham Act, the law Congress passed to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Schumer took to X to call the move a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Trump just gave Putin the best birthday gift he’ll get this year," he wrote. "By giving the Russian economy life support Trump’s deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier."

He added that "there’s nothing America First about Trump caving in to Putin and exempting Russia from US sanctions." Schumer also accused Trump of "aiding and abetting a dictator" and said "Americans need relief from skyrocketing prices."

The remarks came after news that Trump had signed an executive order exempting Russia from the sanctions legislation Congress passed last month. That law authorized 100% tariffs on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas if they continued making new purchases, plus tariffs targeting countries that facilitate Russian oil sanctions evasion.

Bipartisan opposition to the Russia sanctions waiver

Opposition to the order crossed party lines.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the move "beyond irresponsible" on X. He noted the Senate passed the law 86-11. "What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?" Tillis wrote. "It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every…"

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who helped pass the bill, called it a "craven, cowardly action." "These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, & everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin," he wrote. "I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this craven, cowardly action."

On Saturday, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), for whom the act is named, "would be appalled."

Not everyone was critical. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) backed the order in a post on X. He called the sanctions law "short-sighted" and said he was among only seven Republicans who voted against it. "Glad to see Trump has used the executive authority granted to him by Congress to waive almost all of the provisions of this stupid law that pertain to Russia," Massie wrote.

What the waiver means for energy markets

Tariffs on buyers of Russian energy could affect oil, diesel and commodity flows. The order follows a deal allowing Russia to sell diesel to the U.S. and global markets amid fuel shortages.

Brent crude closed at $109.86 per barrel on Friday, its highest level since May 20, as escalating Middle East tensions and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure fueled concerns about global oil supplies.