ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying it would be “smart” for him to step down and warning Caracas not to “play tough” as the United States steps up efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments.
Speaking in Florida, Trump pointed to what he described as a “massive” U.S. naval presence in the region, underscoring ongoing operations targeting oil tankers accused of violating U.S. sanctions.
His remarks came after the U.S. Coast Guard, with support from the Navy, intercepted a third Venezuelan-linked tanker near the country’s coast on December 21, following similar actions earlier this month.
On December 16, Trump ordered what he called a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil vessels, a move Venezuela condemned as a “reckless and serious threat.”
The naval buildup marks an escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Maduro during Trump’s second term, aimed at isolating the Venezuelan government over allegations of election fraud and human rights abuses.
BREAKING VIDEO: Trump says Venezuela's Maduro "can do whatever he wants ...we have a massive armada formed... by far the biggest we've ever had in South America... If he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough."
— The Western Journal (@WesternJournalX) December 22, 2025
H/T @EricLDaugh pic.twitter.com/edCz1pKu97
Maduro responded hours later, urging Trump to “focus on internal problems” in the United States and stop interfering in Venezuela’s affairs. Venezuelan officials said the country’s armed forces have begun escorting oil tankers, while Russia and China have voiced support for Caracas.
The confrontation highlights long-running tensions between Washington and Caracas, intensified by U.S. sanctions imposed since 2019 that have sharply reduced Venezuela’s oil exports.
The standoff between Trump and Maduro could escalate further, although neither side has signaled an imminent move toward direct military confrontation.
