Trump says the US will keep oil and tankers seized off Venezuela
President Donald Trump said that the United States will keep the oil and tankers seized near Venezuela. He made the announcement on 22 December while speaking to journalists in Florida. It is reported by The Public with reference to CNBC.
According to Trump, the United States can sell the seized oil, use it for a strategic reserve or leave it in storage. Washington also has no plans to return the detained vessels. The president confirmed that the US has already seized one large tanker, intercepted a second and is currently pursuing a third vessel that left Venezuela in violation of the sanctions regime.
The first tanker was detained on 10 December. According to analyst firm Kpler, it was carrying more than 1 million barrels of crude oil. Trump said the operations were part of a blockade of sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan territorial waters.
Thus, the US is increasing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. Trump added that it would be wise for Maduro to resign, commenting on the goals of US policy towards Caracas.
Venezuela is one of the founding members of OPEC and has the world's largest proven oil reserves. In 2025, the country exported about 749 thousand barrels per day, with more than half of the volumes supplied to China.
Against the backdrop of the blockade, the United States is also building up its military presence in the Caribbean. Trump has said that Washington may extend its military operations to land if the threat of drug trafficking persists.
