US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move is part of Washington’s latest effort to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government by targeting its main source of revenue.
Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, accusing the Venezuelan government of asset theft and links to terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking. He said the blockade would apply to all oil tankers already under US sanctions.
President Trump has just ordered a complete and total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela until they return all oil, land and assets they previously stole from the United States. pic.twitter.com/Sq2UN2aa9I
— JKash 🍊MAGA Queen (@JKash000) December 17, 2025
New tonight: Trump declares a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela.
“Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us” pic.twitter.com/3dKBSBQlgR
— Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) December 17, 2025
It remains unclear how the blockade will be enforced and whether the US Coast Guard or military assets will be used to interdict vessels. The administration has already deployed thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships, including an aircraft carrier, to the region.
Venezuela’s government strongly rejected the announcement, calling it a “grotesque threat”. Caracas has previously accused Washington of seeking to overthrow Maduro and seize control of the country’s vast oil reserves.
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Oil markets reacted quickly to the news, with prices rising more than one percent in Asian trading on Wednesday. Brent crude climbed to around $59.62 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose to about $56.00 a barrel.
Analysts said prices were increasing on expectations of reduced Venezuelan exports. However, uncertainty remains over how broadly the blockade will be applied and whether it will extend to non-sanctioned vessels.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 06:46 PM EST 12/16/25 pic.twitter.com/2no43HzSGt
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 17, 2025
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the move. International law scholars noted that blockades are traditionally considered acts of war and questioned whether the president has the authority to impose one without congressional approval.
US Representative Joaquin Castro described the blockade as an act of war that had not been authorised by Congress. He warned it could escalate tensions without public support.
Venezuelan crude exports have already fallen following the recent seizure of a sanctioned tanker and a cyberattack on state oil company PDVSA. China remains the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, accounting for roughly four percent of its imports.
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Energy experts said a prolonged disruption could remove nearly one million barrels per day from global supply. Such a loss could push oil prices higher and deepen Venezuela’s economic and humanitarian crisis.