Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela - October 23, 2024 President Donald Trump said Monday that he will impose 25% tariffs on any country that buys oil from Venezuela. “Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the freedoms we defend. Therefore, any country that purchases oil and/or gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a 25% tariff to the United States on any trade they do with our country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump claimed that Venezuela has “purposefully and deceitfully” sent criminals to the United States, including violent individuals and members of gangs like the Tren de Aragua. This news comes after reports that Trump is willing to delay previously announced tariffs, including the 25% tariff on imports of pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and lumber. Those tariffs were scheduled to take effect on April 2, the same day Trump said he would announce a series of reciprocal tariffs against other nations, a day he refers to as “liberation day.”