WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that the United States seized what he called the “largest” oil tanker ever captured by U.S. forces, escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to reporting from The National Desk, Trump told reporters the tanker was intercepted near Venezuela’s coast and suggested the U.S. may keep the oil on board. He also issued a warning to Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, saying he “better wise up” amid ongoing drug-trafficking concerns.
An unnamed U.S. official told the Associated Press the seizure was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy. The action occurred one day after American fighter jets flew near Venezuelan airspace — the closest such approach since the administration began its pressure campaign. The tanker operation follows more than three months of deadly U.S. strikes targeting vessels the administration labels as part of a Designated Terrorist Organization involved in narcotics smuggling.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing bipartisan scrutiny over a September 2 strike that killed two survivors on a suspected drug vessel. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Hegseth would not commit to releasing unedited footage of the incident to all members of Congress, calling a classified briefing “unsatisfying.”
Trump, who previously suggested he was open to releasing the video, later denied that he ever offered to do so and blamed “fake news” for misrepresenting his remarks. Hegseth has defended the ongoing maritime strikes, saying U.S. forces will continue sinking narco-terrorist vessels attempting to bring drugs into the country.
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