President Donald Trump has warned other nations that they could face a 25% tariff on their exported goods if they buy oil from Venezuela.
According to The Hill, this “secondary tariff” would apply to any country purchasing oil or gas Trump announced Monday, in retaliation for Venezuela intentionally sending its criminals and gang members to the U.S.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump doubled down on these accusations, pointing out that his administration had designated the violent gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization.
“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. Among the gangs they sent to the United States, is Tren de Aragua, which has been given the designation of ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization,'” Trump said.
Trump noted that Venezuela, under the rule of dictator Nicolás Maduro, has been “very hostile” to the U.S. and that all agencies had been notified.
“We are in the process of returning them to Venezuela — It is a big task! In addition, Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse.” he wrote.
The president continued: “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
- See his post below:
