Balance of Power Trump Ups Pressure on Venezuela
Dec 12, 2025
Joining the discussion are Adam Farrar, a Senior Geoeconomics Analyst at Bloomberg Economics, who tackles the complexities of the recent tanker seizure and its implications for Venezuela’s oil routes. Congressman Jim McGovern details his bipartisan War Powers resolution while critiquing oil-centric policies. Rick Davis and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino analyze the redistricting challenges in Indiana, revealing GOP dynamics and electoral strategies that reflect on broader national trends. Their insights unpack the political landscape as it shifts in response to pressure from various fronts.
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Seizure Marks New Pressure Phase
- The tanker seizure signals a new U.S. phase aimed at cutting Maduro's oil revenue to force political change.
- About 80% of Venezuela's export revenue is oil, with ~750,000 barrels/day and nearly half headed to China.
Dark Fleet Hides Oil Routes And Ownership
- The seized VLCC carried roughly 1.85 million barrels and belongs to a shadow/dark fleet that obscures ownership and destinations.
- Legal battles will likely determine whether the U.S. can permanently seize the oil and the vessel.
Ship Tracking Can Be Deceptive
- Maritime tracking systems like AIS can be spoofed or turned off, enabling ships to mask true destinations.
- U.S. authorities noted the tanker turned its AIS back on only after the boarding.