US senator LIndsey Graham
Washington, July 22, 2025 — In a televised interview on Fox News this past weekend, Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) delivered a stark warning: under a potential second-term Donald Trump administration, nations still importing Russian crude—including India, China, and Brazil—would face crippling economic penalties.
“Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil—China, India, and Brazil. Those three countries buy about 80% of cheap Russian oil, and that’s what keeps Putin’s war machine going.”
US Senator Lindsey Graham reiterated that President Trump had issued a 50-day ultimatum for Russia to negotiate peace in Ukraine. Failing that, the U.S. would impose 100% “secondary” tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil or uranium.
“You have played President Trump at your own peril… your economy is going to continue to be crushed.”
Legislative Backdrop: The “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025”
US Senator Graham is the primary sponsor of S.1241, the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which grants the U.S. President authority to:
- Impose a 500% tariff on imports—oil, gas, uranium, petrochemicals—from countries that continue trade with Russia.
The bill currently has over 80 co-sponsors, commanding strong bipartisan support. Critics, however, warn of potentially destabilizing consequences, including a global energy price spike and strained U.S. relations with key allies such as the EU, India, and Brazil.
Geopolitical Stakes & Market Implications
- US Senator Graham emphasized that India, China, and Brazil account for roughly 80% of Russia’s discounted crude exports.
- Analysts warn such punitive tariffs could push up global oil prices and hurt consumers worldwide.
- Alternative strategies, such as diplomatic incentives for oil import reduction and enforcing international price caps, have been suggested to minimize disruption.
Trump’s Diplomatic Posture
Graham paralleled Trump’s approach to that of top athlete Scottie Scheffler, saying:
“Donald Trump is the Scottie Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy, and he’s about to put a whooping on your ass.”
He framed the potential tariffs as a geopolitical Ultimatum forcing a choice: ally with the U.S. or continue financing Putin’s war through discounted Russian oil.
Ukrainian Support and Global Coordination
US Senator Graham reaffirmed continued U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, including support for Patriot batteries and other weapons—largely financed by European allies. He also applauded recent EU sanctions and echoed calls from NATO for a united front.
What’s Next?
- The Sanctioning Russia Act remains under review in Senate committees. If passed, it could shift global trade and energy patterns dramatically.
- The Trump administration may prefer less disruptive measures like price caps or diplomatic efforts before unleashing full-scale tariffs.
Bottom Line
US Senator Graham’s warning marks a decisive pivot in U.S. strategy—tying energy policy to wartime diplomacy. The proposed 100–500% tariffs could recalibrate international trade and energy markets. Whether Congress advances this aggressive framework, or opts for subtler alternatives, will significantly impact U.S. relations with major emerging economies.
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