©️AFP
Washington, December 23, 2025.- Donald Trump increased pressure on Venezuela on Monday by implicitly calling on President Nicolas Maduro to leave power, while claiming the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers. The American president also warned his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro, opening a new diplomatic front in Latin America.
At a press conference held on 22 December in Florida, Donald Trump multiplied the offensive statements against Venezuela. Questioned about Washington's objective vis-à-vis Caracas, the US president thought it would be « wise » for Nicolas Maduro to leave power, adding that the latter « Could regret it » if he decided to « Play hard ».
As a result, Donald Trump confirmed the seizure of a Venezuelan tanker intercepted off the coast of the country on December 10. « We'll keep it. »he stated that the vessel and its oil cargo could be resold or integrated into U.S. strategic reserves. The US President welcomed the blockade imposed on Caracas and the strikes on ships, which he presented as an effective means of reducing drug trafficking to the United States.
These actions, whose international legality is questioned, have generated regional reactions. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro replied by calling Donald Trump to « dealing with his country's affairs » Instead of Venezuela.
The White House leader also expanded his verbal offensive to Colombia. Criticating President Gustavo Petro for his statements against the seizure of tankers, Donald Trump accused him of complacency with cocaine trafficking, declaring that he « is not a friend of the United States ». An exit that could increase diplomatic tensions between Washington and Bogotá.
In an already tense context in Latin America, these statements confirm a tightening of American policy towards Caracas and its allies, at the risk of regional escalation.
W.A.
