U.S. President Donald Trump announced that starting April 2, any country purchasing Venezuelan oil or gas will face a 25% tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. Trump, who has already revoked U.S. oil giant Chevron’s permission to operate in Venezuela, and expedited the expulsion of Venezuelan migrants from the U.S., defended this tariff move on his Truth Social network, citing Venezuela’s “highly hostile” stance toward the U.S.
This new round of tariffs is set to take effect on the same day as “reciprocal” tariffs Trump has promised to impose on many of America’s trading partners. Trump views tariffs as a cornerstone of his economic, social, and even foreign policies, asserting that they serve as a universal tool for U.S. industrial revitalization, reducing trade deficits, absorbing the budget deficit, promoting employment, and improving Washington’s position on the international stage.
Regarding Venezuela, Trump has also expelled a large number of migrants accused of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, a group recently designated as a terrorist organization. Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Volz, recently remarked that the gang operates on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
