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Trump Intensifies Pressure on Maduro with Oil Seizures

12/14/2025

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Center

Trump's Oil Seizure

U.S. President Donald Trump leads a pressure campaign that includes seizing the oil tanker Skipper en route to Cuba against Nicolás Maduro's regime.
The action fits a broader strategy of expanding regional military presence and striking suspected drug-trafficking boats.
The administration has conducted at least 22 strikes since September targeting vessels tied to drug cartels and designated Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.

Left

Rubio's Campaign Against Maduro

In December 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump received alarming news about protests in Venezuela, where soldiers defected and Nicolás Maduro was reportedly taken to a military compound.
The revolt failed with Cuba's support, leaving Maduro in power nearly seven years later.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, leads a campaign to weaken Maduro and Cuba, asserting that undermining Cuba would follow from changing Venezuela's government.

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Trump's Oil Seizure

U.S. President Donald Trump leads a pressure campaign that includes seizing the oil tanker Skipper en route to Cuba against Nicolás Maduro's regime.
The action fits a broader strategy of expanding regional military presence and striking suspected drug-trafficking boats.
The administration has conducted at least 22 strikes since September targeting vessels tied to drug cartels and designated Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.

1 / 2