Democrat Orders Trump To Double Down On Russia
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) is calling on President Donald Trump to expand U.S. maritime enforcement efforts by targeting oil tankers linked not only to Venezuela, but also to Russia.
During a television interview Friday, Coons argued that the same tactics used by the Trump administration to intercept Venezuelan oil shipments could be applied to what he described as a “ghost fleet” transporting oil on behalf of Moscow and other sanctioned governments.
Coons said cracking down on those shipments would limit financial support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and could also affect Iran and North Korea. He claimed such actions would likely receive bipartisan support if framed as a tougher stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the same time, Coons criticized the administration’s broader foreign policy approach, arguing that while Trump campaigned on avoiding new overseas conflicts, the current strategy in Latin America lacks clear objectives. He questioned whether recent U.S. actions near Venezuela are focused on stopping drug trafficking, securing energy resources, or pursuing political change in the region.
The senator pointed to statements from administration officials suggesting oil access may play a role in U.S. policy, while noting that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has previously signaled openness to negotiations related to narcotics enforcement.
Meanwhile, U.S. operations in the Caribbean have expanded. Federal authorities recently moved to seize a third oil tanker believed to be operating under a false flag, according to U.S. officials cited by the Associated Press. The move follows earlier seizures of two other tankers near Venezuela’s coastline.
To support these efforts, the U.S. has deployed substantial naval assets in the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. The administration has also authorized limited actions against suspected drug-smuggling vessels and approved intelligence operations tied to Venezuelan networks.
The White House said the seized tankers were transporting oil from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned energy producer, which remains under U.S. sanctions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration will continue pursuing illicit oil shipments believed to fund criminal activity and regional instability.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon both assisted in the interdictions.
International response has been mixed. China’s foreign ministry criticized the seizures, arguing they violate international law and interfere with Venezuela’s ability to conduct trade. Beijing said it supports Caracas in defending its national interests.
At the United Nations, Venezuela’s ambassador raised objections during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United States of economic coercion and excessive pressure related to Venezuela’s natural resources.
The situation underscores rising geopolitical tensions in the Western Hemisphere as the Trump administration intensifies enforcement against sanctioned oil shipments while critics push for expanded action against Russia and its allies.
