Senator Lindsey Graham Warns of Harsh Tariffs Under Trump for Countries Buying Russian Oil

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a strong warning that former President Donald Trump, if re-elected, will impose steep tariffs on countries continuing to purchase oil from Russia — singling out India, China, and Brazil.

In an interview with Fox News, Graham said, “Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil: China, India, and Brazil. Those three countries buy about 80 percent of cheap Russian oil, and that’s what fuels -[Vladimir] Putin’s war machine. President Trump plans to hit them with a 100 percent tariff as punishment for helping Putin.”

Graham argued that while Putin has managed to withstand past sanctions, his ability to fund the war in Ukraine relies heavily on oil revenues from these key buyers. “China, India, and Brazil now face a choice — the American economy or supporting Putin. And I believe they’ll choose the American economy,” he said.

Taking direct aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin, Graham accused him of trying to rebuild the Soviet Union by seizing control of neighboring countries. “In the mid-1990s, Ukraine gave up 1,700 nuclear weapons with the promise that its sovereignty would be respected by Russia. Putin broke that promise. He’s not going to stop unless someone makes him,” Graham stated.

The senator also predicted tough consequences for Russia under a second Trump administration. “Putin’s time is coming,” he warned, adding that Trump has already dealt firmly with Iran and would do the same with Russia. “Donald Trump is the Scotty Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy — and he’s about to put a whooping on your ass,” Graham said bluntly, directing his comment at Putin.

Graham didn’t hold back in his criticism of countries still doing business with Russia. “If China, India, and Brazil continue to buy cheap Russian oil and keep this war going, we’re going to tear the hell out of you and crush your economy,” he said. “That’s blood money you’re dealing in — and President Trump is done playing this game.”

He concluded by urging Putin to come to the negotiating table, warning that “he’s about to get crushed.”