Overview

• The executive order, signed Friday, creates a new category for offenders labeled as States Sponsoring Unjust Detentions.
• Governments placed on the list could face economic sanctions, visa restrictions, cuts to U.S. foreign assistance, and travel limits for officials.
• The White House said the measure empowers the Secretary of State to leverage existing authorities to protect Americans abroad.
• The State Department compared the new designation’s weight to the State Sponsor of Terrorism label and warned no country should want to be listed.
• Administration messaging states that any actor using an American as a bargaining chip will face consequences.