U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a 25% tariff on any country purchasing oil and gas from Venezuela, citing national security concerns and migration-related issues.
In a fiery announcement on Monday, March 24, via his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Venezuela of deliberately sending “tens of thousands” of criminals into the United States. He claimed these individuals, including violent offenders and gang members, were infiltrating American communities under the guise of migration.
“Any country that purchases oil and/or gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a tariff of 25% on any trade they conduct with the United States,” Trump stated, confirming the measure will be signed and enforced by April 2.
The move is set to disrupt global oil markets and further isolate Venezuela’s energy sector, as major buyers—including China, India, and European nations—weigh their response to the impending economic penalty.
With tensions escalating between Washington and Caracas, this latest directive signals a new front in Trump’s aggressive trade policies ahead of the 2026 U.S. presidential election.
