Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela

Published: 12/17/2025
Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in and out of Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has ordered a "total and complete" blockade of sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela. This decision comes after the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela and designated Maduro's government as a foreign terrorist organization. Trump accused Venezuela of various crimes, including drug smuggling and human trafficking, and emphasized the increased military presence in the region.