Donald Trump announced new tariffs against any nation that buys oil from Venezuela as part of his ongoing crackdown on immigration.
The president claimed without evidence that Venezuela had "purposefully" sent violent criminals, including gang members, to the U.S. — and threatened 25-percent tariffs against countries that trade with the Latin American nation.
"President Donald J. Trump announced today that the United States of America will be putting what is known as a Secondary Tariff on the Country of Venezuela, for numerous reasons, including the fact that Venezuela has purposefully and deceitfully sent to the United States, undercover, tens of thousands of high level, and other, criminals, many of whom are murderers and people of a very violent nature," Trump posted on Truth Social.
"Among the gangs they sent to the United States, is Tren de Aragua, which has been given the designation of 'Foreign Terrorist Organization,'" Trump added. "We are in the process of returning them to Venezuela — It is a big task!"
The announcement came shortly after U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg declined to lift a restraining order blocking the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans, saying the migrants facing deportation must get an opportunity to challenge allegations that they're gang members.
"Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse," Trump posted. "Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country. All documentation will be signed and registered, and the Tariff will take place on April 2nd, 2025, LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA."
"Please let this notification serve to represent that the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and all other Law Enforcement Agencies within our Country have been so notified," he added. "Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
The U.S. bought $5.6 billion of oil and gas from Venezuela in 2024, making it one of the top foreign suppliers to the American market, but still trailed far behind Canada, its top source of foreign oil, at $106 billion.
