Trump has announced a “total and complete” blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, labelling Nicolás Maduro’s government a terrorist organisation.
US President Donald Trump has declared a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, escalating tensions between the two nations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump labelled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s government a foreign terrorist organisation, accusing it of stealing US assets and engaging in “Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking.” He warned that Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” adding that the force “will only get bigger” and “be like nothing they have ever seen before.”
Trump’s announcement follows the US seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast last week. Caracas condemned the move, describing it as a “grotesque threat” and claiming Washington had “kidnapped the crew” and “stolen” the ship. The seized vessel, named Skipper, was accused by the US of participating in “illicit oil shipping.”
The Trump administration has long accused Venezuela of drug smuggling, with US military operations targeting boats allegedly carrying fentanyl and other illegal substances. In recent months, the US has increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, within striking distance of Venezuela.
The blockade comes amid broader US sanctions against Venezuela, including measures targeting six more ships, members of Maduro’s family, and businesses linked to his government. The US has consistently opposed Maduro’s rule under both Trump and former President Joe Biden, pressing for his removal through economic and military pressure.
The announcement drew sharp reactions from US lawmakers. Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas described Trump’s naval blockade as “unquestionably an act of war” and added that US lawmakers will on Thursday vote on a resolution “directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela”.
Venezuela, which possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has accused the US of attempting to seize its resources, signalling a continued escalation in tensions between the two countries.