Trump's Terms

Trump administration says the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast

Dec 11, 2025
Steve Walsh, a military reporter with WHRO, dives into the recent U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. He discusses the underlying sanctions and court orders that justified the action. Walsh also sheds light on the unusual retirement of Admiral Halsey amidst escalating U.S. strikes against alleged drug boats, which have raised eyebrows in Congress. The implications of foreign influences in Venezuela and how they reshape the region are also explored, adding depth to the geopolitical discussion.
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INSIGHT

U.S. Seized Venezuelan Oil Tanker

  • The Trump administration announced U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast allegedly transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
  • Pam Bondi posted video and the president said "I guess we'll keep it," signaling a bold enforcement posture.
INSIGHT

Military Buildup And Command Shakeup

  • U.S. military buildup near Venezuela has coincided with strikes on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean.
  • Admiral Alvin Halsey, overseeing Southern Command, is stepping down amid scrutiny of those strikes.
INSIGHT

Seizure Backed By Court Order

  • The seizure was done under a court order, suggesting legal steps accompanied the action rather than purely executive force.
  • Steve Walsh frames the move as targeted, not necessarily a broad seizure of all Venezuelan oil.
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