The Socialist Program with Brian Becker Trump Seizes Oil Tanker — ‘No War on Venezuela!’ [Preview]
Dec 11, 2025
Manolo De Los Santos, Executive Director of The People's Forum and an activist, discusses the recent Nationwide Day of Action for 'No War on Venezuela.' He argues that the seizure of an oil tanker by the Trump administration exemplifies piracy and an act of war, violating international law. The conversation reveals that U.S. motives extend beyond drug enforcement, aiming to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves. De Los Santos also highlights the beneficial role of Citgo in U.S. communities and the threat posed by opposing Venezuela's socialist model.
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Seizing Tankers As State Piracy
- The U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan tanker is framed as piracy and an act of war violating international law.
- Brian Becker and Manolo De Los Santos argue this escalation signals direct U.S. aggression against Venezuela.
Double Standards In Global Policing
- Manolo De Los Santos calls the tanker seizure a clear violation of international law and an act of war.
- He notes other countries would prompt UN action if they did the same, but U.S. actions often go unchecked.
Policy Masked By Noble Rhetoric
- The U.S. masks imperial actions with moral pretexts like drug interdiction or national defense.
- Becker and De Los Santos argue the real motive is control of Venezuela's natural resources, not drug enforcement.