President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that Venezuela has taken "all our oil" and the United States is determined to reclaim it.
Discussing a potential naval blockade against Venezuela, Trump emphasized, "We will not allow anyone who shouldn't to pass... they took it illegally, and we want it back," he stated.
These remarks come amid escalating tensions surrounding Venezuela. On Tuesday, Trump announced a comprehensive oil blockade against the nation and tougher deportation measures. In a post on his social network, Truth Social, he accused Nicolás Maduro's regime of funding criminal activities with energy resources.
"Today, I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all authorized oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela," Trump declared in the post, asserting that Venezuelan oil is being used to finance "narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping."
He further claimed that Venezuela is "completely surrounded" by military forces, warning that pressure will mount until the country returns "all the oil, land, and other assets" allegedly stolen from the United States.
Meanwhile, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that Trump might use his address to the nation on Wednesday to announce significant escalations. On the podcast Judging Freedom, Carlson mentioned that lawmakers had been briefed about a potential war with Venezuela and speculated that it "could be announced" during the speech "tonight at 9 o'clock."
However, Carlson tempered his claims, saying, "Who knows if that will actually happen... I never want to overstate what I know," explaining that his information came from "a member of Congress."
Regarding the national address, Trump hinted that his main theme would be that his administration "inherited a disaster" but assured that the country "is going to be stronger than ever."
U.S. and Venezuela Oil Conflict: Key Questions Answered
What prompted Trump's oil blockade against Venezuela?
Trump initiated the oil blockade due to accusations that Venezuela's government, led by Nicolás Maduro, is using energy resources to fund criminal activities such as narcoterrorism and human trafficking.
How has Venezuela responded to the U.S. oil blockade?
As of now, there has been no official response from the Venezuelan government regarding Trump's declaration of the oil blockade.
Is there a possibility of military escalation between the U.S. and Venezuela?
Speculations about military escalation exist, particularly following comments from Tucker Carlson suggesting that lawmakers were briefed about a potential conflict. However, these remain unconfirmed.