CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sweeping financial sanctions on Venezuela's government on Friday. Here's a look at why the U.S. decided to levy the penalties, which dramatically escalate tensions with the South American nation, and how likely they are to hurt Venezuela's economy and loosen President Nicolas Maduro's grip on power.

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WHAT ARE THE NEW SANCTIONS?

The fourth round of sanctions announced by the Trump administration is the strongest yet. They prohibit U.S. financial institutions from engaging in any new financial deals with the V...