The Daily Trump Goes After Venezuela’s Oil
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Dec 24, 2025 
Anatoly Kurmanaev, a New York Times foreign correspondent, delves into the Trump administration's strategy shift regarding Venezuela's oil industry. He discusses how the U.S. moves from military actions to economic pressure, aiming for regime change by targeting oil revenue. Kurmanaev also highlights the seizure of tankers, the role of Chevron, and the impact on Venezuelan citizens. He considers the reasons behind the heightened enforcement and the potential for diplomatic negotiations, revealing the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Venezuela.
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Shift From Military To Economic Pressure
- The Trump administration shifted from military boat strikes to an economic campaign targeting Venezuelan oil.
- The strategy aims to squeeze Venezuela's finances to force political change in Caracas.
Tanker Seizures Signal New Enforcement
- U.S. forces seized the tanker Skipper in international waters, redirecting its crew toward Texas.
- That seizure signaled a new, bolder enforcement of sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports.
Sanctions Created Vulnerabilities In Oil Trade
- Sanctions have pushed Venezuela to rely on a 'dark fleet' of shadow tankers to sell oil, mainly to China.
- That reliance created legal openings the U.S. now uses to target shipments and choke revenue.