US President Donald Trump has delivered a renewed warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying it would be “smart” for him to step down as Washington steps up its pressure campaign against Caracas. The move has triggered strong criticism from Russia and China, both of which have voiced firm backing for Venezuela.
Speaking on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump signaled he was ready to escalate tensions further following months of mounting US pressure. When questioned about whether the goal was to remove Maduro from power, Trump said the outcome would depend on Maduro’s own choices, but warned that continued defiance could bring severe consequences.
Trump’s remarks came as the US Coast Guard continued operations against oil tankers described as part of Venezuela’s so-called “dark fleet,” which Washington accuses of helping Caracas evade sanctions. The US president said authorities were determined to intercept the vessels and confirmed that seized ships and millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil would remain under US control, potentially to be sold, stored, or added to strategic reserves.
Maduro Rejects US Threats
Maduro responded forcefully, saying Trump should prioritize domestic economic and social issues rather than targeting Venezuela. In a televised address, he accused Washington of attempting to destabilize his government in order to seize the country’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world.
The confrontation comes amid an expanded US military presence in the region, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking. Dozens of strikes on suspected trafficking vessels near Venezuelan waters have drawn international criticism, particularly over civilian casualties and the legality of the operations.
Venezuela has repeatedly denied involvement in drug trafficking and condemned US vessel seizures as acts of “international piracy.”
Russia and China Push Back at the UN
The escalating standoff has prompted a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, requested by Venezuela and supported by Russia and China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that US actions in the Caribbean could threaten regional stability and disrupt international shipping.
China also condemned the US measures as a serious breach of international law, insisting that Venezuela has the right to pursue independent development and international cooperation.
Venezuelan officials have warned that a US blockade could disrupt global oil supplies, increase volatility in energy markets, and harm economies across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.