Trump Urges Maduro to Step Down Amidst US Naval Blockade
Trump Urges Maduro to Step Down Amidst US Naval Blockade
US President Donald Trump has stated it would be “smart” for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down, amidst a US naval blockade targeting Venezuela’s oil shipments. Trump warned Maduro not to “play tough”, hinting that Washington could keep or sell seized oil.
The US has tightened its pressure campaign, intercepting oil tankers and deploying a massive naval presence in the Caribbean. Trump claims Caracas is using oil money to fund “drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping”. Maduro has accused the US of seeking regime change.
In response, Maduro urged Trump to focus on domestic issues, saying he’d be “better off” addressing economic and social challenges at home. Russia has pledged “full support” for Venezuela, condemning US actions as “aggressions and flagrant violations of international law”
The situation has sparked concerns about oil supply disruptions, with oil prices rising. A UN Security Council meeting is scheduled to discuss the crisis, with Russia and China backing Venezuela’s request.
The US remains in pursuit of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, with Trump stating “it’s moving along and we’ll end up getting it”. The standoff highlights escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Russia backing Caracas.
