This Executive Order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 9, 2026, declares a national emergency to protect Venezuelan sovereign funds held in the United States from being seized or attached by private creditors and judicial processes.

The President determined that attempts by private parties to seize "Foreign Government Deposit Funds" (Venezuelan oil revenues) constitute an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and foreign policy. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act (NEA) to address this threat.

The order specifically targets "Foreign Government Deposit Funds," defined as:

• • Money held in U.S. Treasury accounts on behalf of the Government of Venezuela, its Central Bank, or PDVSA (Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A.).

  • Funds derived specifically from the sale of natural resources (oil) or the sale of diluents.

The order establishes a total legal "blockade" around these funds to ensure they remain under U.S. government control:

• • Voiding Judicial Actions: Any court-ordered attachment, judgment, lien, or garnishment against these funds is prohibited and declared "null and void."

  • Freezing Assets: No funds may be transferred, withdrawn, or exported without a specific license or authorization from the Trump Administration.

  • Supremacy: This order supersedes all previous Executive Orders that might have regulated or blocked these funds in the past.

The President argues that protecting these funds is vital to achieving several "America First" foreign policy goals:

• • Stability: Ensuring economic and political stability in Venezuela to stem the influx of illegal immigrants.

  • Counter-Narcotics: Using the funds as leverage to stop the "flood of illicit narcotics" into the U.S.

  • Countering Foreign Adversaries: Protecting American interests against "malign actors" like Iran and Hezbollah.

The order clarifies the legal standing of the money to prevent private lawsuits:

• • Not Private Property: The funds are declared sovereign property of Venezuela, not the property of private "judgment creditors" or commercial actors.

  • Custodial Capacity: The U.S. Government asserts it is holding the money strictly as a custodian for diplomatic and governmental purposes, not as a commercial participant.

  • No Waiver of Immunity: The order explicitly states that holding these funds does not waive sovereign immunity. The Attorney General is directed to assert this immunity in any court proceeding to block private claims.

• • Treasury & State Dept: The Secretary of the Treasury manages the funds but must follow the disbursement instructions of the Secretary of State.

  • Reporting: The administration will provide recurring reports to Congress regarding the status of this national emergency.

1. Declaration of National Emergency2. Definition of Protected Funds3. Absolute Shield Against Judicial Process4. Geopolitical and Security Justifications5. Legal Status and Sovereign Immunity6. Administration and Oversight