Trump Poised to Hit Back at Russian Oil Buyers, Says Senator Lindsey Graham

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In a sharp rebuke to key global economies, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican – South Carolina) has warned that a second-term Trump administration could impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, specifically naming India, China, and Brazil. The statement signals a tougher foreign policy direction aimed at economically isolating Russia and punishing its global partners.

During a recent interview with Fox News, Senator Graham directly addressed the growing trade between these nations and Russia, accusing them of financing the Kremlin’s military campaign in Ukraine through oil purchases. “Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil—China, India, and Brazil,” Graham declared. He emphasized that this financial lifeline is aiding President Vladimir Putin’s wartime operations and must be severed. According to market analysts, nearly 80% of Russia’s discounted crude is being purchased by these three countries.

Graham made it clear that under Trump, diplomatic patience with nations sidestepping sanctions would end. “The game has changed when it comes to you, President Putin,” he stated, warning that Putin misjudged Trump’s resolve. “You made a major league mistake, and your economy is going to continue to be crushed.”

More pointedly, Graham delivered a stark message to Russia’s top oil buyers: “Here’s what I would tell China, India, and Brazil: If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we’re going to tear up the hell out of you and we’re going to crush your economy, because what you’re doing is blood money.”

Though the White House has not issued an official policy announcement, the senator’s remarks are widely seen as an indicator of Trump’s planned foreign policy stance, one that blends economic pressure with national security goals. The implications for global trade are significant, especially given that India and China are among the world’s fastest-growing economies and are heavily reliant on affordable energy sources.

Brazil, while not as large a player in the energy import market, has maintained a cooperative trade relationship with Moscow since the Ukraine conflict escalated. Should tariffs be imposed, these nations could face serious disruptions, potentially triggering retaliatory measures and straining diplomatic ties with Washington.

Graham also underscored Trump’s dominant political style, calling him “the Scottie Scheffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy,” referring to the U.S. golf champion. “He’s about to put a whooping on your ass,” Graham quipped, underlining the no-nonsense approach Trump allies are promising on the global stage.

As tensions continue to rise and geopolitical alliances shift, Senator Graham’s warning may be an early preview of the sharp-edged diplomacy to come, should Donald Trump return to the White House in 2025.