WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2026) — Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) accused President Donald Trump on Tuesday of “currying favor with his favorite dictator at Ukraine’s expense.” She tied her vote against the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act to her view that the administration could not be trusted to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable. Her post came four days after Trump signed an executive order waiving the law’s sanctions and tariffs on Russia.
What She Said
Her full post, published at 5:04 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2026, read:
“Once again, currying favor with his favorite dictator at Ukraine’s expense. This administration cannot be trusted to hold Putin accountable, which is exactly why I voted against the Graham Act.
The United States must stand firm with our ally Ukraine. Trump cannot continue betraying the Ukrainian people and undermining their fundamental right to determine their own future.”
The Article She Linked
The post linked an Oct. 16 New York Times report headlined “Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From Sanctions Law.” It said Trump signed the order Friday night, two days before the measure was due to take effect on Oct. 18. The law is named for Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died in July after more than a year spent building support for it.
The report said the law was meant to squeeze the financial lifelines sustaining Russia’s war against Ukraine. It targets Russian officials, oligarchs and financial institutions. It also gave Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries importing Russian oil and gas, and up to 500 percent on Russian imports to the United States.
The Executive Order
The text of the order, published on the White House website, states: “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions and duties provided for in the Graham Act.” It adds that Trump submitted to Congress a certification that the waiver “at this time is in the national interests of the United States.” The order cites Section 115 of the act, which allows a waiver if the president submits a written certification and a report explaining its basis.
Section 4 waives the duties under sections 112 and 113 and a series of sanctions provisions. It says the waivers remain in effect until the president or the Secretary of State determines “further action is appropriate.” The order also states that it does not affect sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders addressing Russian government activities.
How the Vote Went
The Senate passed the bill 86-11 on Aug. 7. The House followed in September by 262-159. Fifty-eight Democrats voted yes and 152 voted no. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the bill would give Trump “unfettered authority to unleash tariffs on the American people.” Opponents also said the bill made it too easy for Trump to waive sanctions.
In her post, Kamlager-Dove did not cite the tariff provisions. She tied her vote to the question of whether the administration could be trusted to hold Putin accountable. The Senate-passed bill included a waiver authority for the president if he deems it in the national interest.
Her Record on Ukraine and Russia
In a Dec. 11, 2023 release on her official House website, Kamlager-Dove discussed the need for Ukraine aid in an MSNBC interview. “Russia is killing innocent women and children in Ukraine, creating an incredible humanitarian crisis, and our national security is also dependent upon our ability and willingness to continue to support our allies,” she said.
In the same interview she said, “Putin has already said he is going to go after the Balkans and our NATO allies if he is successful in the Ukraine.” She also said the United States had not been shouldering the burden of supporting Ukraine alone, noting that European allies had “doubled down” since the invasion.
In an Oct. 11, 2023 release, she was quoted on tying Ukraine aid to aid for Israel. “We also know that Russia is responsible for compromising the security, the safety, the sovereignty, the independence of Ukraine,” she said.
Reaction Across the Aisle
Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Putin, called the suspension of the Graham Act “an important and truly historic moment” on social media. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), asked whether he would tell Trump not to waive the sanctions, answered: “I would, yes.”
Trump said in remarks at the United Nations General Assembly after the bill passed that he was prepared to apply its provisions “if necessary.” The waiver order came about three weeks later.