Trump creates blacklist for countries holding Americans

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.