• Trump's executive order allows designating countries as sponsors of wrongful detention.
• Penalties could include sanctions and travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.
• Targeted nations include China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia.
• Officials emphasize the move aims to deter 'hostage diplomacy'
• Global Reach applauds the administration's efforts to secure the release of detained Americans.

On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" designation, allowing the U.S. to impose penalties on countries for wrongfully detaining Americans. Senior officials believe this designation will serve as a pivotal tool in addressing and resolving cases of American citizens unfairly held abroad, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it an unprecedented action against such practices, according to Reuters and ABC News.

This executive order aligns with previous designations, similar to the State Sponsor of Terrorism label used by the U.S. It permits a range of penalties such as economic sanctions, visa restrictions, and prohibitions against countries that fail to release detained Americans. Rubio indicated that no nation would want to be placed on this list, stressing that "anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price," according to Los Angeles Times.

The scope of this designation extends beyond sovereign nations to include groups controlling territory, such as the Taliban. The administration aims to ensure swift action by allowing for penalties to be imposed promptly on nations that unlawfully detain Americans. Although specific timelines for implementation have yet to be disclosed, officials have noted that countries like Iran, China, Afghanistan, and Russia are on the potential list for designation, according to Reuters and ABC News.

Global Reach, a nonprofit organization focused on achieving the release of Americans held hostage, expressed strong approval of the new policy. CEO Mickey Bergman stated this designation would enhance U.S. government efforts, asserting that it's instrumental in compelling nations to refrain from engaging in 'hostage diplomacy.' Highlighting the administration's quick results, he contrasted it with the previous administration's record of returning U.S. citizens from abroad, noting that Trump has already brought home 72 Americans in his current term, according to Los Angeles Times.