US President Donald Trump has said the United States will retain both the crude oil and vessels seized near Venezuela, as Washington intensifies pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump confirmed that US forces were still pursuing an oil tanker linked to Venezuela more than a day after the operation began. “It’s moving along and we’ll end up getting it,” he said, referring to the vessel identified as Bella 1, which was operating in waters where the United States Coast Guard attempted to intercept it.
The pursuit is part of a wider US naval buildup in the Caribbean, aimed at disrupting Venezuela’s oil exports. US authorities have already intercepted two other tankers in the region this month as part of efforts to choke off oil revenues flowing to Caracas.
Trump again stopped short of clearly stating whether the pressure campaign is meant to force Maduro from office, but suggested it would be “smart” for the Venezuelan leader to step aside. He also warned that the US military presence in the region is overwhelming, hinting at the possibility of further escalation if Caracas resists.
“We have a massive armada — the biggest we’ve ever had in South America,” Trump said. “If he plays tough, it’d be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”
Trump confirmed that any oil seized from intercepted tankers would be kept by the United States, with the option of adding it to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “We’re going to keep it,” he said. “We’re keeping the ships also.”
US officials believe Bella 1 is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport oil from sanctioned countries. Earlier this month, the Coast Guard intercepted the tanker Centuries, while another vessel, Skipper, was seized in December over alleged links to Iran.
The actions underscore the Trump administration’s renewed push to tighten economic and military pressure on Venezuela, as Washington continues to challenge Maduro’s hold on power.