I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, find that the prevalence & severity of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, such as those committed or directed by persons listed in the Annex to this order, have reached such scope and gravity that they threaten the stability of international political & economic systems. Human rights abuse & corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, & functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; & undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible & significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons.