Let Freedom: Political News, Un-Biased, Lex Fridman, Joe Rogan, CNN, Fox News US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker
Dec 12, 2025
The U.S. recently seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, raising questions about its ties to cartel financing. Supporters argue this move is crucial for national security and combating drug trafficking. Critics, however, label the action as piracy, asserting it carries diplomatic risks. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces backlash over her support for the seizure, with calls for her resignation. The discussion revolves around whether tough enforcement can effectively disrupt corrupt revenue networks while maintaining stability.
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Seizure Aimed At Funding Networks
- The tanker seizure targeted revenue streams that fund Venezuela's regime and allied criminal networks.
- U.S. officials framed it as enforcing sanctions to weaken cartel-enabled corruption and narco-trafficking.
Legal Criticism Versus Strategic Rationale
- Critics call the seizure unlawful and warn it could escalate tensions or breach international law.
- That criticism often omits the counterargument about choking cartel revenue tied to regional instability.
Targeting Financial Infrastructure
- The action reflects a strategic shift to attack the financial infrastructure behind cartels rather than treating them as only a law-enforcement problem.
- Cutting illicit oil revenues aims to degrade enablers of cartel power and reduce narco-violence in the region.