President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, urging him to step down as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas through maritime operations and sanctions enforcement.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, Trump appeared alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He warned that Maduro could face serious consequences if he continued to defy the United States.
“Well, I think it probably would… That’s up to him what he wants to do,” Trump said when asked about possible repercussions. “It would be smart for him to do that,” he added, cautioning that continued defiance could be Maduro’s “last time” acting tough.
The warning comes as the US Coast Guard continues operations against Venezuelan oil shipments. Trump confirmed that US forces are pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker, describing the vessels as part of a “dark fleet” allegedly used to bypass international sanctions.
According to Trump, nearly four million barrels of oil and two seized ships are now under US control. He said Washington is considering options ranging from selling the oil to adding it to strategic reserves.
President Maduro responded on state television, dismissing Trump’s remarks and accusing him of ignoring problems at home.
“He would be better off focusing on economic and social issues in his own country,” Maduro said, stressing that Venezuela has the right to defend its sovereignty and natural resources.
Venezuelan officials continue to deny US allegations of drug trafficking and insist that Washington’s actions are aimed at seizing the country’s oil wealth. Caracas has labeled the tanker seizures as “international piracy.”
Rising international concern
The escalating standoff has drawn reactions from major global powers. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that US naval operations in the Caribbean could destabilize the region and disrupt international shipping.
China also criticized Washington’s actions, calling them a “serious violation of international law” and reaffirming support for Venezuela’s right to conduct independent cooperation with other nations.
Amid growing tensions, Venezuela has requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, with backing from Russia and China. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil read a letter from Maduro warning that a US blockade could have serious consequences for global oil supplies and energy markets.
The confrontation underscores a rapidly intensifying crisis between Washington and Caracas, with diplomatic, legal, and economic implications extending far beyond Venezuela’s borders.
