Trump-Backed Bill Proposes 500% Tariffs on Russia Allies
Trump Tariff Bill Targets Nations Trading With Russia, Including India and China
A controversial bill backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and introduced by Republican Senator J.D. Vance is making waves in Washington. The legislation proposes a steep 500% tariff on imports from any country that continues to trade with Russia—including key global players like India and China.
The bill, known as the Protecting American National Security Against Kremlin Aggression Act, has reportedly garnered support from 84 co-sponsors in Congress. Its primary objective is to economically isolate Russia by penalizing countries that provide it with financial lifelines amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This includes the purchase of Russian oil, natural gas, and other essential exports.
Senator Vance said the bill is designed to pressure nations to reconsider their economic ties with Moscow and support global efforts to bring the Ukraine conflict to a peaceful resolution. Critics argue the tariffs could disrupt global trade and strain U.S. relations with key partners like India, which has significantly increased oil imports from Russia since 2022.
If passed, the legislation could reshape global commerce and intensify geopolitical tensions.
Trump Backs 500% Tariff Bill Targeting Trade With Russia; India, China in Crosshairs
In a major development that could trigger a global trade shake-up, former U.S. President Donald Trump has greenlit the advancement of a Senate bill proposing a sweeping 500% tariff on imports from countries continuing to trade with Russia—specifically targeting nations like India and China. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, co-sponsor of the legislation, made the announcement during an interview with ABC News on Sunday.
“Big breakthrough here. So what does this bill do? They keep his war machine going.”
The bill, officially named the Protecting American National Security Against Kremlin Aggression Act, has already gained significant traction, with 84 senators listed as co-sponsors. that fund his ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Graham, the legislation allows the U.S. President—presumably Trump if he returns to office—to levy the massive tariffs on countries that continue economic cooperation with Moscow, particularly in oil and gas imports. The aim is to weaken Russia’s war economy and force Moscow to the negotiating table.
“My bill has 84 co-sponsors. “For the first time yesterday, the president told me … I was playing golf with him. He says, ‘It’s time to move your bill.’”
The proposed legislation marks a shift in Trump’s position toward Russia. Initially introduced in March, the bill was delayed after the White House signaled resistance to broader sanctions, given Trump’s then-prioritized efforts to reset ties with the Kremlin. However, according to Graham, the administration has now signaled support for the bill’s advancement, and it is expected to be introduced formally in August.
This strategic pivot comes amid mounting criticism from U.S. lawmakers and international observers that countries like India and China have undermined the effect of Western sanctions by continuing to purchase discounted Russian oil and other goods. India, in particular, has seen a surge in Russian crude imports since 2022, citing its energy security needs and independent foreign policy as justification.
Critics of the bill, however, argue that slapping such steep tariffs on major trading partners like India and China could lead to unintended consequences. These include retaliation, disruption in global supply chains, and a further decline in U.S. relations with key allies. For India, which maintains strong defense and diplomatic ties with both Russia and the U.S., the proposed tariffs could complicate its strategic balancing act.
As the war shows no signs of abating, U.S. lawmakers appear increasingly determined to expand the pressure on Russia—not just directly, but through punitive action against its trading partners. If passed, the bill could usher in a new chapter in global geopolitics—one where countries may be forced to pick sides between energy security and alignment with U.S.-led sanctions.