President Donald Trump says he has ordered a “total and complete blockade” targeting oil tankers traveling in and out of Venezuela, announcing the move Tuesday night in a post on Truth Social.
In the statement, Trump repeated his long-running accusations against Venezuela’s government and President Nicolás Maduro, claiming the Maduro administration is using oil production to fund criminal activity. He said the regime is benefiting from “stolen Oil Fields” and alleged the proceeds support “Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping.”
Trump also asserted that Venezuela’s government has been designated a “FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” and said that designation underpins his decision to block “ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS” moving in either direction.
He added that a sizable naval force has been positioned around Venezuela and suggested more assets are expected to arrive.
The announcement follows remarks from Maduro earlier this week, when he accused the United States of “kidnapping” crew members after U.S. forces seized an oil tanker on December 10.
