Trump Expected to Issue Order Penalizing Countries Detaining Americans

President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order establishing a designation for state sponsors of wrongful detention, aimed at punishing countries that illegally detain or take hostage U.S. nationals. Modeled after the state sponsors of terrorism designation, the order would grant the State Department enhanced tools to penalize governments that hold Americans as political leverage and could include geographic restrictions on U.S. passport use. This initiative seeks to discourage Americans from traveling to such countries and urges foreign leaders to release detained U.S. citizens promptly. According to advocacy groups, at least 54 Americans were wrongfully detained or held hostage in 17 countries during 2024, with several nations already listed under the State Department's highest travel advisory level due to risks including wrongful detention. The order builds on the Robert Levinson Act, which authorizes the State Department to determine wrongful detention based on criteria such as judicial fairness and credible evidence of innocence. The move is expected to impact diplomatic relations and reflects the administration's commitment to protecting Americans abroad.