President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to slap a 25% tariff on all countries that import oil and gas from Venezuela, set to take effect on April 2, 2025. The so-called “secondary tariff” is the latest move in the administration’s escalating efforts to penalize Venezuela for what Trump calls its “hostile actions” toward the United States, including the exporting of violent criminals across the southern border.
Citing intelligence reports, Trump accused the Venezuelan government of sending tens of thousands of gang-affiliated individuals into the US, including members of the Tren de Aragua—recently designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The administration claims these groups pose a significant threat to national security.
“Among the gangs they sent to the United States, is Tren de Aragua, which has been given the designation of ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization.’ We are in the process of returning them to Venezuela — It is a big task!” Trump said in a lengthy Truth Social rant. “In addition, Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse. 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.”
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The policy targets major buyers of Venezuelan crude such as China, India, and Turkey. India had resumed imports following a partial easing of US sanctions, but the new tariff aims to dissuade continued engagement with the Maduro regime. China, the largest importer of Venezuelan oil, is expected to be particularly affected.
Market reactions have been swift. Venezuelan sovereign bonds dropped in value following the announcement, reflecting investor anxiety over rising geopolitical risk. Oil prices ticked upward on concerns about a tightening global supply, though gains were limited by ongoing discussions about increased production from OPEC+ members.
This trade maneuver comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to address what he describes as chronic trade imbalances and weak enforcement of immigration laws. The administration is also weighing retaliatory tariffs on other trading partners and may adopt a selective enforcement approach depending on diplomatic considerations.
At the same time, the administration is facing legal setbacks on the immigration front, likewise stemming from Venezuela. A federal judge ruled last week to block efforts to use the Alien Enemies Actof 1798 to deport Venezuelan migrants without hearings. US District Judge James Boasberg ruled that individuals accused of gang affiliation—many without clear evidence—must be given the opportunity to contest their removal. The administration had transferred hundreds of Venezuelans to both Venezuela and a new holding facility in El Salvador without due process, drawing criticism from the ACLU and other rights groups.
“The Court need not resolve the thorny question of whether the judiciary has the authority to assess this claim in the first place,” Judge Boasberg wrote in his ruling. “That is because Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on another equally fundamental theory: before they may be deported, they are entitled to individualized hearings to determine whether the Act applies to them. As the Government itself concedes, the awesome power granted by the Act may be brought to bear only on those who are, in fact, ‘alien enemies.'”
The ruling challenges the administration’s broader use of wartime legal tools in immigration enforcement. While the White House plans to appeal, Trump publicly questioned the judge’s impartiality, further inflaming debate over executive authority and judicial oversight.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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