Trump Deals Huge Blow To Venezuela
President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States plans to retain both oil cargo and vessels seized from tankers that recently departed Venezuelan ports, marking a significant step in the administration’s broader effort to enforce U.S. sanctions and protect American energy interests.
Speaking to reporters in Florida after announcing plans related to U.S. naval modernization, Trump said the seized oil could be sold, stored, or placed into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
“We’re keeping it,” Trump said. “We may sell it. We may use it for reserves. But the oil is staying with us — and so are the ships.”
U.S. Enforces Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Operations
Over the weekend, U.S. forces intercepted a tanker known as Centuries, which was operating under a Panamanian flag. The White House described the vessel as part of Venezuela’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of ships used to transport oil in violation of international sanctions.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard, supported by the Navy, also seized another tanker called Skipper, which had already been sanctioned by U.S. authorities. Officials said the ship was not displaying a national flag at the time of the seizure.
Federal officials estimate that Centuries was carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels of crude oil, valued at more than $100 million based on current U.S. energy market prices.
Legal Authority and International Response
Trump’s statement about retaining the ships has drawn international attention, particularly because Centuries had not been previously sanctioned. Chinese officials criticized the seizure, citing ownership ties to a Hong Kong-based company.
U.S. officials responded by stating the vessel was operating under a false flag and that the action was conducted legally under an existing maritime agreement with Panama, which was notified in advance.
In contrast, the Skipper seizure followed a court order, allowing U.S. authorities to lawfully take possession of the vessel and its estimated 2 million barrels of oil.
Increased Pressure on Venezuela’s Government
The seizures come as the Trump administration continues to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, targeting illegal oil exports and suspected narcotics trafficking routes tied to the regime.
U.S. officials have also increased naval presence in the Caribbean, citing national security concerns and the need to enforce international trade and maritime laws.
Last week, Trump reiterated demands that Venezuela return assets previously taken from American oil companies, signaling continued efforts to protect U.S. business interests abroad.
Experts Say Oil Can Be Lawfully Claimed
Energy analysts say U.S. law allows the government to pursue ownership of seized oil through federal asset forfeiture proceedings.
Fernando Ferreira, director of geopolitical risk at Rapidan Energy, explained that claimants would need to challenge the seizure in court.
“If the claim fails, the U.S. government takes legal possession,” Ferreira said.
He noted that similar actions were taken in 2023, when the Department of Justice seized a non-sanctioned vessel transporting Iranian oil. That oil was later sold by the U.S. government.
“This is not unprecedented,” Ferreira said. “What’s different is the country involved. Given the global recognition of sanctions, it shouldn’t be unexpected.”
