Message to the Congress on Imposing Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil

To the Congress of the United States:

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order that takes additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13692 of March 8, 2015 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela).

The Maduro regime's refusal to cooperate with the United States on matters of illegal immigration exacerbates threats to public safety and border security. The activities of the Tren de Aragua gang, a transnational criminal organization originating in Venezuela and designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, have intensified these threats. Further, the Maduro regime's ongoing destabilizing actions, including its support for illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking, kidnapping, and human trafficking necessitate further measures to protect United States interests. All of these actions are due in part to the oil revenues that the Maduro regime and its network of criminals and cronies are able to earn.

Effective on April 2, 2025, 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 authorized to determine whether a tariff of 25 percent will be imposed on goods from any country that imports Venezuelan oil. Once imposed at the Secretary of State's discretion, the tariff shall remain in effect for a period of 1 year after the last day a country imports Venezuelan oil, or at an earlier date if the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with other relevant heads of executive departments and agencies, determines it appropriate. To encourage full accountability for these actions, I have directed the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to submit periodic reports to me within 180 days of the date of this order and no less than every 180 days thereafter assessing the effectiveness of the tariffs described in this order and the ongoing conduct of the Maduro regime.

My Administration will continue to consult with the Congress on our efforts to address the ongoing problems in Venezuela that undermine United States interests and look forward to working on these issues together.

I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.

DONALD J. TRUMP

The White House,

March 25, 2025.