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EO 13857Executive OrderTrump 45 · R

Executive Order 13857

Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With Respect to Venezuela

This executive order expands the definition of "Government of Venezuela" in five prior sanctions orders to explicitly include the Central Bank of Venezuela, PDVSA (the state oil company), and any person acting on behalf of the Maduro regime. The amendment broadens the scope of existing sanctions by clarifying that entities controlled by or acting for the Venezuelan government fall under the same restrictions.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 509

Key directives

  • Amend five prior executive orders to expand definition of 'Government of Venezuela' to include Central Bank of Venezuela, PDVSA, and persons acting on behalf of the Maduro regime

Timeline

Immediate

  • Expanded sanctions definition takes effect upon signing
  • Prior EO provisions now apply to broader set of entities

Near term (90d)

  • Treasury/OFAC enforcement actions against newly covered persons
  • Compliance adjustments by international businesses dealing with Venezuela

Long term

  • Sustained economic pressure on Maduro regime revenue sources
  • Potential restructuring of Venezuelan oil sector if political transition occurs

Risks & tensions

  • Expands sanctions scope without new due process mechanisms for designated entities
  • May complicate humanitarian aid flows if financial channels are further restricted
  • Vague 'purported to act' language creates uncertainty for third parties assessing compliance risk
  • Explicit recognition of 'Interim President' reflects contested legitimacy — not all nations aligned
Executive Order 13857: Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With Respect to Venezuela · Executive Orders