Trump Orders Total Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Tankers, Designates Maduro Regime as Foreign Terrorist Organization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of tensions with Venezuela, former President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025, declared the Nicolás Maduro regime a foreign terrorist organization and ordered a total blockade of all oil tankers entering or leaving the South American country. The move comes amid accusations that the Venezuelan government has been using stolen U.S. assets to finance terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal enterprises.
Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that Venezuela was “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” emphasizing that the blockade would intensify until Venezuela returned all stolen oil, land, and other assets to the United States. “The illegitimate Maduro Regime is using Oil from these stolen Oil Fields to finance themselves, Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping,” Trump stated.
The designation of the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela, which has been mired in political and economic crisis for years. The Trump administration cited the regime’s alleged involvement in criminal activities and the trafficking of illegal aliens into the United States during the current Biden administration as justification for the harsh measures.
“Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela,” Trump declared. He further vowed to prevent any hostile regime from robbing or threatening the United States, demanding the immediate return of all stolen assets.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government seized an oil tanker named the Skipper off the coast of Venezuela, further escalating the standoff. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the vessel was involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, violating U.S. sanctions. The seizure highlights the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions and disrupting illicit oil shipments.
The Skipper is part of a fleet of roughly 1,000 so-called “ghost ships” that clandestinely transport oil from sanctioned countries, including Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. These vessels often sail under foreign flags to evade detection and sanctions enforcement. The U.S. military maintains a significant presence off Venezuela’s coast to monitor and interdict such shipments.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the seizure on national television, stating it was a lawful action aimed at reducing energy costs and enforcing U.S. sanctions. The move has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally, with some experts warning of potential disruptions to global oil markets.
The designation of a foreign government as a terrorist organization is rare and carries substantial legal and diplomatic consequences. It allows the U.S. government to impose severe sanctions, freeze assets, and pursue criminal charges against individuals associated with the regime. The U.S. Department of State maintains the official list of designated foreign terrorist organizations.
The blockade and designation come amid ongoing political instability in Venezuela, where Maduro’s government faces widespread opposition and economic collapse. The U.S. has long criticized Maduro’s administration for human rights abuses and corruption, supporting opposition groups seeking democratic reforms.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed questions regarding the tanker seizure and blockade, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to national security and the rule of law. The White House Press Office continues to monitor developments closely.
As the blockade takes effect, the international community watches closely for potential ripple effects on energy prices and geopolitical stability. The U.S. Department of Energy is coordinating with allies to mitigate any disruptions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is intensifying inspections and enforcement efforts related to sanctioned shipments.
The situation remains fluid, with the Trump administration signaling it will maintain pressure until Venezuela complies with demands to return stolen assets and cease illicit activities. This latest confrontation underscores the enduring complexities of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the broader challenges posed by state-sponsored criminal enterprises.
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