President Donald Trump doesn't mess around on any subject, but especially when it pertains to Americans who have been detained abroad for pretty much whatever unlawful reason.

According to The Epoch Times, the president signed an executive order this week that targeted the unlawful detention of Americans, promising harsh consequences to countries designated as state sponsors of unlawful detention, .

The move is more than just a show of strength or a signature on fancy paper -- it brings with it the power to levy massive consequences for nations that are designated as state sponsors of unlawful detention, primarily economic ones.

The signing of the EO comes as reports indicate that "dozens" of U.S. citizens are still being detained in a number of different countries, including China, Venezuela, and Iran.

What's happening?

President Trump's executive order made it clear what will happen to countries who continue the practice of detaining Americans unlawfully.

"No American should fear being taken as a political pawn by rogue states. Wrongful detentions are an affront to the rule of law and aim to undermine our leadership on the world stage," the order states. "The United States will not tolerate these attacks on our sovereignty and U.S. nationals."

The new executive order gives Secretary of State Marco Rubio a new set of duties regarding the subject.

The outlet noted:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed by the new order to designate foreign nations as state sponsors of unlawful detention if their actions result in wrongful detainment of American citizens. Consequences for nations designated state sponsors include sanctions, travel restrictions, and export limitations, among other things.

Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president, explained during the signing ceremony that the EO is akin to "drawing a line in the sand that U.S. citizens will not be used as bargaining chips."

He also noted that President Trump and his administration have been proactive in meeting with the families of current American hostages abroad.

Now what?

Countries designated on the list have a chance to have their name removed, as long as they comply and release all unlawfully detained American citizens.

The country would also need to "demonstrate" a change in its policies regarding detaining Americans.

The Epoch Times noted:

The law “provides a new legal mechanism” that gives the administration “powerful tools to get American hostages out,” Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, said during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.

Only time will tell when President Trump and the White House need to use the new order.