On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared a comprehensive oil embargo against Venezuela and a tightening of deportation policies. The announcement was made via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he directly accused the Nicolás Maduro regime of using energy resources to fund criminal activities.
"Today, I am ordering a complete blockade of all authorized oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela," Trump stated. He claimed Venezuelan oil is being used to finance "narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping."
In his message, Trump declared that Venezuela is "completely surrounded" by military forces and warned that pressure would continue to mount until the country returns to the United States "all the oil, lands, and other assets" that he alleged were previously stolen.
The former president reiterated his view of Maduro's government as an "illegitimate regime" and labeled it a foreign terrorist organization.
The announcement also includes a stricter immigration policy with an emphasis on the accelerated return of immigrants Trump described as "illegal and criminal," blaming the Venezuelan government for sending them to the United States during Joe Biden's administration.
He claimed these deportations are already taking place "at an accelerated pace."
Although Trump did not specify the legal mechanisms or immediate scope of these measures, the message represents another rhetorical and political escalation against Caracas. This comes amid a region marked by high tension, with potential repercussions for energy markets and migratory flows from South America and the Caribbean.
So far, the Venezuelan government has not officially responded to the announcement.
Impact of Trump's Oil Embargo on Venezuela
What is the reason behind Trump's oil embargo on Venezuela?
Trump accuses the Venezuelan government of using oil revenues to fund criminal activities such as narcoterrorism and human trafficking.
How might the oil embargo affect energy markets?
The embargo could lead to fluctuations in energy markets as it disrupts the supply of Venezuelan oil, potentially impacting prices and availability.
What changes in immigration policy did Trump announce?
Trump announced a more stringent approach to immigration, focusing on the accelerated deportation of individuals he described as illegal and criminal.