U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to freeze all the assets owned by the Venezuelan government in the U.S. amid an ongoing power struggle within the Latin American country, Reuters reported.
U.S. companies are banned from dealing with the Venezuelan government, and foreign entities or individuals could face sanctions for aiding such activity following the executive order.
The asset freeze comes on top of various other sanctions placed on the Venezuelan government in an ongoing effort to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power after he claimed reelection victory in an election that many have deemed fraudulent. The U.S. and several other countries recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's rightful leader.
