January 1, US Cracks Down on Venezuelan Oil as Tensions Rise

Wyatt’s Take

• The US Coast Guard seized another ship near Venezuela.
• President Trump ordered a hard blockade on sanctioned oil tankers.
• Military buildup in the area is raising talk of bigger action.

The United States just grabbed another vessel in international waters close to Venezuela. This is the second action like this in just a few weeks.

The Coast Guard led the mission, with help from the US military. Officials said the crackdown is part of a wider effort to stop Venezuela’s regime from funding dangerous activities through oil sales.

A previous tanker was also seized off Venezuela on December 10. President Trump recently called for a full blockade of all sanctioned oil ships heading to or from the country.

“The illegitimate Maduro Regime is using Oil from these stolen Oil Fields to finance themselves, Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping,” Trump posted Tuesday on Truth Social.

“I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela.”

With these actions, American forces have been more visible in the region, striking at drug boats and boosting their presence along Venezuela’s coast. Some say this raises the chance of a larger conflict or even regime change.

Trump also offered Maduro safe passage in return for giving up power. The US has put a $50 million bounty on the Venezuelan leader—the biggest ever for a head of state.

In his announcement, Trump warned the Maduro government that the military presence “will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before.” He demanded the return of stolen oil, land, and assets.

Still, Maduro sent out two oil ships to China, according to reports. The Coast Guard sent questions about the operation to the White House, which did not respond right away.

Stay connected for updates that hit close to home. It’s your right to know what your leaders are doing abroad—and how it could impact your family and future.

Wyatt Matters

Standing up to rogue regimes and protecting American resources means more security for our jobs and communities. When leaders show strength, everyday Americans reap the benefits of safer streets and steady paychecks.

Read more here