In wielding the powers entrusted to me as President under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I must address the ongoing national emergency concerning Venezuela as outlined in Executive Order 13692 from March 8, 2015. This emergency, recently reaffirmed in the notice dated February 27, 2025, reveals that the actions and policies of Nicolás Maduro’s regime continue to present a significant and unusual threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The rise in activities by the Tren de Aragua gang—a transnational criminal organization rooted in Venezuela and designated as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization—has further intensified this threat, as emphasized in Proclamation 10903 from March 14, 2025 (Invoking the Alien Enemies Act due to the Invasion of the United States by Tren de Aragua). Venezuela’s persistent destabilizing actions, particularly its support for illegal activities, necessitate additional economic measures to safeguard U.S. interests.
In light of these pressing circumstances, I hereby issue the following orders to address the ongoing national emergency regarding Venezuela:
Section 1. Findings.
(a) The Tren de Aragua gang has been classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States due to its extensive engagement in terrorist acts, including kidnappings and violent assaults, which destabilize communities across the Western Hemisphere. It is important to note that the previous administration’s lenient border policies facilitated the entry of Tren de Aragua members into the United States, allowing these dangerous individuals to establish a presence in U.S. cities and exploit American citizens. The Maduro regime has played a significant role in this crisis by neglecting its border security, thereby enabling the proliferation of gang activities within Venezuela and contributing to the illegal immigration dilemma.
(b) The existing sanctions imposed on Venezuela, which include those established under Executive Order 13692, Executive Order 13808 of August 24, 2017, Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018, and Executive Order 13884 of August 5, 2019, will remain active. The actions and policies of Maduro’s regime that prompted these sanctions continue to threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy. Such actions encompass:
- (i) The systematic erosion of democratic institutions through the suppression of free and fair elections and the illegitimate consolidation of power by Nicolás Maduro;
- (ii) Rampant economic mismanagement and public corruption, severely affecting the Venezuelan populace;
- (iii) The regime’s role in exacerbating the humanitarian and public health crises in Venezuela; and
- (iv) The destabilization of the Western Hemisphere, driven by the forced migration of millions of Venezuelans, which places significant strain on neighboring countries.
Sec. 2. Imposition of Tariffs.
(a) Effective April 2, 2025, a 25 percent tariff may be levied on all goods imported into the United States from any nation that imports Venezuelan oil, whether directly from Venezuela or indirectly via third parties. These duties will be in addition to existing tariffs established under IEEPA, section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, or other relevant authorities.
(b) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, is granted the discretion to determine whether to impose the 25 percent tariff on goods from any country importing Venezuelan oil, directly or indirectly, after April 2, 2025.
(c) Once a tariff is imposed on a country, it will expire one year after the last date of Venezuelan oil importation by that country, or sooner if the Secretary of Commerce, upon consultation, deems it appropriate.
Sec. 3. Administration and Enforcement.
(a) The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, is authorized to implement the tariffs established by this order.
(b) The Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, is empowered to:
- (i) Determine whether a country has imported Venezuelan oil, directly or indirectly;
- (ii) Develop regulations, guidance, and determinations necessary for the execution of this order;
- (iii) Collaborate with heads of other executive departments and agencies to ensure compliance; and
- (iv) Undertake any further actions consistent with applicable law to fulfill the objectives of this order.
(c) Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or directive that contradicts this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified as necessary to ensure compliance.
(d) Other Presidential Proclamations, Executive Orders, or directives related to Venezuela or nations subject to the tariffs under section 2 of this order will remain in effect, except as specified in subsection (c).
(e) Should the Secretary of State choose to impose a tariff on China under section 2 of this order, that tariff will also extend to both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region to mitigate the risk of transshipment and evasion.
Sec. 4. Reporting and Review.
The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce shall provide periodic reports to the President, starting 180 days from the date of this order and continuing at least every 180 days thereafter, evaluating the effectiveness of the tariffs and the ongoing conduct of the Maduro regime.
Sec. 5. Definitions.
(a) The term “Venezuelan oil” refers to crude oil or petroleum products extracted, refined, or exported from Venezuela, irrespective of the nationality of the producing or selling entity.
(b) The term “indirectly” encompasses purchases of Venezuelan oil through intermediaries or third countries, where the oil’s origin can be reasonably traced back to Venezuela, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.
Sec. 6. Effective Date.
This order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 2, 2025.
Sec. 7. General Provisions.
(a) This order shall not be interpreted to impair or otherwise affect:
- (i) The legal authority granted to any executive department or agency; or
- (ii) The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order will be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officials, employees, or any other party.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 24, 2025.
