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President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would place a 25 percent tariff on countries that import oil and gas from Venezuela.
The president shared the tariff update in a post to his Truth Social account explaining his decision.
“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,’” the post explained.
“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. 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,” he continued.
Trump’s post noted that the new tariffs would take effect on April 2, a date the president has repeatedly referred to as Liberation Day for Americans.
“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!” the post concluded.
The April 2 date is the same day Trump’s other tariffs are set to begin. He previously announced a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico.
“April 2nd is Liberation Day in America!!!” Trump previously wrote on Truth Social. “For DECADES we have been ripped off and abused by every nation in the World, both friend and foe. Now it is finally time for the Good Ol’ USA to get some of that MONEY, and RESPECT, BACK. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!”
