Trump Orders Full Naval Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers: “Assets Must Be Returned to the United States”
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that he has ordered a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, as part of an intensified crackdown on dictator Nicolás Maduro and what Trump described as the theft of U.S. assets by a hostile foreign regime.
“Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before — Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us.”
The move follows the U.S. government’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker last week and builds on a months-long military and economic campaign aimed at dismantling Venezuela’s socialist regime, decimating its narco-financing networks, and reclaiming U.S.-linked energy resources.
Maduro Regime Officially Declared a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Trump’s proclamation goes far beyond traditional sanctions. In his statement, he accused Maduro of using Venezuela’s oil wealth to fund terrorism, human trafficking, and cartel violence.
“For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump declared.
He also announced that illegal migrants linked to the Maduro regime are being deported at an accelerated rate. “America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY.”
Oil Shipments Targeted — Chevron Caught in Crossfire
Venezuela exports approximately 80% of its oil to China, bypassing sanctions through complex shipping arrangements and state-run partnerships. U.S. oil giant Chevron continues to operate in the country under a limited waiver granted by the Treasury Department.
Chevron responded to Trump’s latest actions Tuesday evening, saying its operations in Venezuela remain “in full compliance with laws and regulations” and that it continues to follow “sanctions frameworks provided for by the U.S. government.” The company also confirmed that operations had not been disrupted — yet.
It’s unclear whether Trump’s new blockade order will impact Chevron’s waiver or force a policy shift regarding U.S. corporate involvement in Maduro-controlled fields.
Ongoing Military Campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific
Trump’s blockade order comes amid a broader military strategy that includes lethal strikes on cartel-linked boats operating off Venezuela’s coast. The U.S. has destroyed over 20 such vessels since September as part of a direct campaign to neutralize narco-terrorism at its source.
The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a vast drug-trafficking network embedded within Venezuela’s military. The regime is also accused of providing safe haven and logistical support to Tren de Aragua, one of Latin America’s most violent prison gangs.
A $50 million reward remains on the table for information leading to Maduro’s capture.
Maduro’s Options Dwindling
As the pressure intensifies, international offers of exile are surfacing. The president of Belarus has reportedly offered Maduro asylum should he choose to flee Venezuela. But the Trump administration appears determined to keep the heat on until there is total capitulation.
This latest move — a full-scale naval blockade targeting Venezuela’s lifeline oil tankers — may be the final economic chokehold before a broader reckoning.
Trump’s message is clear: the days of looting U.S. assets, flooding the hemisphere with narcotics, and defying American power are over.