President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on countries that purchase oil or gas from Venezuela — escalating tensions with the country that has been a primary target of his administration’s sweeping deportation efforts.
The tariff, set to take effect April 2, is aimed at countries that trade with Venezuela, which Trump also accused of sending violent criminals and gang members to the U.S.
“Among the gangs they sent to the United States, is Tren de Aragua, which has been given the designation of ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization,’” Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social. “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 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.
