September 5, 2025

Trump creates blacklist for countries holding Americans

Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press

🛡️National Security📜Constitutional Law🌍Foreign Policy

President Trump signed an executive order on Sept. 5, 2025 creating a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" designation. The order lets the administration penalize countries that detain Americans as bargaining chips. The White House framed it as a tool to deter political hostage-taking abroad.

The order gives the Secretary of State new authority to impose financial sanctions and export controls. It also allows visa restrictions, asset freezes, and passport limits for targeted officials. Administration officials said the measures are modeled after state sponsor of terrorism penalties.

Officials cited Russia and Iran as examples of countries that hold Americans wrongfully. Briefings also named Cuba and Venezuela as potential targets for future action. At signing the administration had not publicly designated any nation under the new authority.

The order builds on prior U.S. efforts to secure detainee releases through sanctions and diplomacy. The Biden administration used sanctions and a State Department working group to press for releases. Supporters said the order centralizes tools and may speed punitive action against bad actors.

🛡️National Security📜Constitutional Law🌍Foreign Policy

Test Your Knowledge

Senior administration officials stated countries would receive notice and "a certain pool of time to fix it" before designation, indicating gradual implementation rather than immediate sanctions.

What does "blacklist" imply about the order's purpose?

The order targets "entities controlling territory" even if not recognized as governments. Which non-state groups does this likely hit?

Paul Whelan praised the order but urged compensation for wrongfully detained Americans using "frozen assets from rogue regimes." How does this proposal affect sanctions strategy?

The Foley Foundation reports at least 54 Americans were wrongfully detained in 17 countries during 2024. What does this widespread pattern show about current international relations?

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People, bills, and sources

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

U.S. Department of State

Executive agency

Families of detained Americans and advocacy groups

Advocates and petitioners

Sen. Marco Rubio

U.S. senator (R-Fla.)

What you can do

Travelers

Check State Department advisories and register travel

Review The State Department travel advisory for countries you will visit. Register with STEP and notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before travel.

Organizations

Reassess operations, security, and insurance

Companies and NGOs should reassess legal, security, and insurance plans for staff in designated countries. Update evacuation protocols and consult legal counsel on sanctions and compliance.

Policy & Media

Track designations and engage policymakers

Journalists and policymakers should track which countries receive the new designation and which sanctions apply. Work with Congressional foreign affairs staff and prisoner advocacy groups for details.