President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a warning to foreign countries after he signed a new executive order, “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention,” aimed at preventing nations from holding Americans hostage or unlawfully detaining them abroad.
The Executive Order, signed on Friday, September 5, 2025, gives the US government to impose severe penalties on countries or entities engaging in such practices.
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, it is hereby ordered: The United States must strengthen efforts to protect U.S. nationals from wrongful detention abroad,” Trump stated.
Trump Administration Issues Warning After Executive Order
He further stated that no American should fear being taken as a political pawn by rogue states.
“Wrongful detentions are an affront to the rule of law and aim to undermine our leadership on the world stage,” added the US President.
Also Read: Trump, Modi Affirm Strong India-US Ties Despite Trade Tensions
On his part, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that nations disregarding the new directive will face consequences.
“President Trump’s Executive Order delivers unprecedented action to protect Americans from wrongful detention abroad. Designating State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention sends a clear message: if you attempt to use an American as a bargaining chip, you will face severe consequences,” Rubio said.
Countries failing to comply could face economic sanctions, visa restrictions, cuts in foreign assistance, and travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.
Details of the Signed Executive Order
Senior administration officials identified China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia as potential candidates for designation, citing their involvement in “hostage diplomacy” and cases of wrongful detention. The order also applies to non-state groups controlling territory.
The policy establishes a mechanism where the U.S. notifies a country of a wrongful detention, giving it time to act before sanctions are imposed. Sanctions may be lifted if credible progress is made.
Also Read: Zelenskyy Seeks Western Security Backing as Trump Takes Back Seat Amid Ceasefire Negotiation
Under the Executive Order, the Secretary of State may designate any foreign government as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention if:
a) A wrongful detention of a U.S. national occurs in that country;
b) The government fails to release a wrongfully detained American after notification by the U.S.; or
c) Evidence shows the government is responsible for, complicit in, or materially supporting wrongful detentions—either of U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, where the U.S. has a national interest.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
