On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced what he described as a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuelan oil tankers. The dramatic move sharply increases pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and signals a new, more aggressive phase in Trump’s confrontation with the regime.
The announcement came in a lengthy and aggressive post on Trump’s social media platform.
According to Trump, Venezuela is now “completely surrounded” by what he described as the largest naval force ever assembled in South America. He warned that the situation would only escalate if the country did not comply with his demands.
Trump claimed Venezuela had stolen oil, land, and other assets from the United States.
However, he did not clearly explain what property he was referring to.
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Still, the tone of the message was unmistakable.
Trump said the blockade would remain in place until Venezuela returned everything he believes was taken from the U.S. He framed the move as both punishment and leverage.
The announcement follows last week’s seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
U.S. officials said the vessel was part of an illegal oil network that helped move Venezuelan oil to allies such as Iran and Cuba. The tanker was reportedly headed to Cuba when it was intercepted.
That seizure appears to have emboldened Trump.
Soon after, he doubled down with language that alarmed diplomats and military analysts alike.
However, Venezuela reacted quickly and forcefully.
In a statement released soon after Trump’s announcement, the Venezuelan government called the declaration “reckless” and “a serious threat.” Officials accused the United States of violating international law and undermining freedom of navigation.
They also claimed Trump was attempting to steal Venezuelan resources under the cover of military force.
Meanwhile, experts say a true naval blockade may not even be possible.
Although the U.S. currently has 11 warships operating in the Caribbean, the highest number in decades, but that presence alone would likely be insufficient to fully seal Venezuela’s coastline.
A traditional blockade requires constant enforcement and international coordination, neither of which Trump has publicly detailed.
According to reports, roughly 30 sanctioned vessels are believed to be involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. More than a dozen are currently in Venezuelan waters.
Trump’s comments also came amid an aggressive shift in how his administration labels the Maduro government.
Last month, Trump made the unprecedented move of declaring Maduro the leader of a foreign terrorist organization.
In his post, Trump accused the Venezuelan government of using oil profits to fund drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking.
These claims further hardened his stance.
Behind the scenes, the rhetoric appears just as intense. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was recently quoted saying Trump wants to keep increasing pressure until Maduro “cries uncle.”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
