Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday imposing 25% tariffs on all goods exported to the United States from countries that import Venezuelan oil, effective April 2, 2025. The move significantly escalates Washington's economic measures against Nicolás Maduro's government, which the U.S. does not recognize as democratically legitimate.

Key Measures in Executive Order:

• 25% tariff on all U.S.-bound exports from nations importing Venezuelan oil (directly or via third parties)

• Tariffs supplement existing import restrictions

• Policy retroactively revokes Biden-era oil export concessions granted November 26, 2022

Trump's Justification:
"The Maduro regime continues undermining regional stability through support for illicit activities," Trump stated, declaring Venezuela "an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security." He specifically cited:

1. The transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua (designated as terrorist by U.S.)

2. Systematic suppression of free elections

3. Economic mismanagement causing mass migration

4. Failure to extradite violent criminals to Venezuela

Policy Reversal:
The order nullifies the Biden administration's sanctions relief that temporarily permitted Venezuelan oil exports contingent on electoral reforms - conditions Trump claims Maduro "completely failed to meet."

Context:
This marks the Trump administration's latest move to:

• Isolate Maduro economically

• Pressure neighboring countries to cease Venezuelan oil trade

• Address immigration concerns through extraditions