President Donald J. Trump on Monday signed a sweeping executive order imposing tariffs on any country that imports Venezuelan oil, a move the administration says is necessary to confront the ongoing national security threat posed by the Nicolás Maduro regime and the transnational criminal gang Tren de Aragua.
Starting April 2, 2025, the U.S. may impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from countries that buy Venezuelan crude oil or petroleum products, whether directly or indirectly, through third-party nations or intermediaries.
“The actions and policies of the Maduro regime… continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” the executive order states.
READ: Hyundai Announces $20 Billion U.S. Investment As Trump’s ‘Made In America’ Push Gains Momentum
Trump cited the Maduro government’s continued support for illicit activities and failure to contain Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan-born gang designated earlier this month as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
The order connects the gang’s infiltration into the United States with previous “open-border policies” and accuses Venezuela of enabling the mass migration crisis through negligence and criminal complicity.
In particular, the administration says Tren de Aragua is responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings, and assassinations, including the recent killing of a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader.
Tariff Scope: A 25% tariff can be applied to all goods from any country found to be importing Venezuelan oil, whether directly or indirectly.
Implementation Date: Tariffs may be imposed starting April 2, 2025.
Discretionary Enforcement: The Secretary of State, in coordination with other top officials including the Secretaries of Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security, will decide which countries are subject to the tariffs.
Duration: Once imposed, tariffs will remain in effect for one year after the country’s last Venezuelan oil import—unless removed earlier at the discretion of the Commerce Department.
The order also notes that if China is targeted, the tariffs will extend to Hong Kong and Macau, citing concerns over transshipment and trade circumvention.
READ: Trump Denies Knowledge Of ‘The Atlantic’ Editor Joining Yemen War Plan Signal Chat
This executive order builds on years of U.S. sanctions targeting the Maduro regime, including asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions. The administration emphasized the following continuing concerns:
- Maduro’s undermining of democratic institutions
- Widespread corruption and economic mismanagement
- The ongoing humanitarian crisis within Venezuela
- The destabilizing effects of mass migration from Venezuela across the region
The move marks one of the most aggressive uses of U.S. trade policy to punish countries for continuing economic relationships with regimes deemed hostile to U.S. interests.
The Secretaries of State and Commerce are required to submit biannual reports to the president assessing the effectiveness of the tariffs and ongoing behavior of the Maduro government.
The tariffs will be in addition to any existing duties imposed under other U.S. trade and national security laws.
READ: Teachers Union President Accuses Trump Admin Of ‘Stealing’ From Students
Administration officials said the action is designed to send a message that the U.S. will not tolerate foreign nations that help prop up what Trump has repeatedly described as a “narco-terrorist regime” in Caracas.
“The days of turning a blind eye to Venezuela’s support for terrorism are over,” a senior White House official said. “Any nation that trades with Maduro is subsidizing violence, corruption, and criminal networks.”
The move is expected to draw strong reactions from international partners, particularly nations in Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe that still import Venezuelan crude through indirect means.
Trade analysts predict that the tariffs could shake global oil markets and strain U.S. relations with energy-importing allies unless exemptions or waivers are introduced. The administration has not yet clarified whether humanitarian trade or diplomatic exceptions will be allowed.
For now, the White House says the message is simple: stop buying Venezuelan oil, or pay the price.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
