President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order aimed at punishing foreign governments and groups that wrongfully detain U.S. nationals overseas.
In a press statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the order establishes new consequences for actors designated as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention. Penalties may include economic sanctions, visa bans, restrictions on foreign assistance, and travel limits for U.S. passport holders.
“Like the State Sponsor of Terrorism determination, no nation should want to end up on this list,” Rubio said.
The administration described the move as a warning to governments or groups that might seek to hold Americans as leverage in disputes.
“The bottom line: Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price,” Rubio said.
“This administration is not only putting America first but also putting Americans first.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
