The Trump administration announced new sanctions against Venezuela Tuesday.
The sanctions target a number of people close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, including his wife, vice president, communications minister and defense minister.
President Donald Trump and others in his administration have repeatedly slammed Maduro, calling him a dictator and saying he's dismantled Venezuela's democracy.
The U.S. State Department said, "Today’s action shows that the United States will continue to take concrete and forceful action against those who are involved in the destruction of democracy in Venezuela."
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
