Trump Seizes Second Oil Tanker Off Venezuela: Maduro Slams US “Theft” Amid Blockade Escalation

The Trump administration has escalated its pressure campaign against Venezuela by seizing a second oil tanker off the country’s coast, just weeks after the first interdiction. This move follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. Caracas has condemned the action as outright “theft and kidnapping,” vowing to continue oil trade despite US naval operations.

Escalation Timeline

US forces first seized a large oil tanker on December 10, 2025, described by Attorney General Pam Bondi as linked to sanctioned oil shipments from Venezuela to Iran. President Trump highlighted the vessel as the “largest ever seized,” tying it to broader grievances over Venezuela’s alleged seizure of US oil rights and companies years ago.

On December 16, Trump ordered a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned tankers, deploying what he called the largest naval fleet in South American history, including the USS Gerald Ford carrier group. By December 20-21, the US Coast Guard interdicted a second vessel in international waters, with reports of a third pursuit underway.

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro responded defiantly, stating his government would trade oil “in keeping with the spirit of the libertarian generation.” He accused the US of “criminal naval piracy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” tactics, alleging crew kidnappings far from Venezuelan waters.

Trump Administration Justifications and Strategy

Trump framed the seizures as retaliation for Venezuela nationalizing US energy assets and enabling drug trafficking, terrorism, and human smuggling. The administration labels Maduro’s regime a “foreign terrorist organization,” using oil interdictions to starve funding for illicit activities.

US officials cite judicial seizure orders for vessels flying false flags or tied to Iran sanctions. Operations involve Coast Guard helicopters, Navy support, FBI, and Homeland Security, marking rare direct commandeerings of merchant ships since 2019 sanctions began.

This fits Trump’s Caribbean military buildup, including lethal strikes on 22+ drug vessels killing ~87 people. Analysts see it as regime-change pressure, blending anti-drug efforts with economic motives to reclaim “stolen” US oil interests.

Venezuela’s Fierce Backlash

Caracas views the actions as “flagrant theft” and “international piracy,” threatening legal action at global bodies. Maduro held talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who reaffirmed support, while China warned of regional instability.

Venezuela insists its oil belongs to its “sovereign people” per constitution, rejecting US claims. Maduro vows to secure trade routes, defying the blockade despite economic strain from prior sanctions.

Global Reactions and Risks

Russia and China urge restraint, fearing escalation into wider conflict. Oil prices spiked post-seizures, with markets eyeing supply disruptions from Venezuela’s vast reserves.

Experts warn of “corsair tactics” risking midair collisions or naval clashes, as seen with a JetBlue incident near a US tanker. Trump’s rhetoric—“we want it back”—hints at land operations if Maduro resists.

The blockade’s legality draws scrutiny; while targeting sanctioned ships, enforcement in international waters could violate maritime law, prompting UN complaints.

Oil Market and Economic Fallout

Seizures disrupt Venezuela’s oil-for-food trades, especially with Iran and Cuba. The second tanker, like the first carrying 1.9 million barrels, amplifies pressure on Maduro’s revenue.

Global energy markets brace for volatility, with Trump’s fleet encircling key routes. Allies like India monitor impacts on crude imports, while US aims to redirect seized oil domestically.

Future Implications

A third tanker chase signals no de-escalation, with Trump hinting at troop deployments. Success hinges on Maduro’s defiance versus US naval dominance.

Diplomatic off-ramps remain slim; Venezuela eyes BRICS ties, while Washington pushes opposition. Watch troop movements, ASEAN statements, or oil reroutes for next flashpoints.

This standoff tests Trump’s “America First” doctrine against multipolar pushback, with Venezuela’s oil at the epicenter.