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By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, Jordan King, John Feng, Amira El-Fekki, and Amir Daftari
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Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has called on the U.N. Security Council to condemn the U.S. for seizing the oil tanker off Venezuela's coast last week. Gil urged the council to issue a statement denouncing the seizure as an act of "piracy" and stating that the U.N. hasn’t authorized actions against Venezuela, “or against the international commercialization of its oil.” He also demanded, in the letter to the council first obtained by the Associated Press, that the U.S. immediately release the “kidnapped crew” and the oil its illegally confiscated.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Venezuela and its leader, Nicolás Maduro, by ordering a complete and total blockade of "sanctioned" oil tankers heading in and out of the South American country. Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday night to make the announcement, saying the "illegitimate Maduro regime" is using oil from "stolen oil fields" to "finance themselves, drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping." In an opening speech, the President said: "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the history of South America."
What To Know
- The escalation comes a week after U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
- The Maduro regime responded to the blockade on Tuesday, calling the move "utterly irrational" and alleging it was designed to steal "the wealth that belongs to our nation."
- Venezuela says it plans to denounce the move before the United Nations.
- Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel on Tuesday denounced the U.S. naval blockade against Venezuela as a “new aggression” against sovereignty, voicing full support for Nicolás Maduro and pledging solidarity with Caracas in its fight to defend self‑determination.
- It follows weeks of U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in international waters that have killed at least 95 people.
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Dec 17, 2025 at 02:27 PM EST
US lawmaker warns US is ‘eroding the most basic Constitutional checks and balance’ over Venezuela
Representative Gabe Vasquez has denounced the Trump administration over its seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and the Naval blockade, warning that "the last thing Americans want is another drawn-out conflict in a faraway place."
“This Administration is actively eroding the most basic Constitutional checks and balances for the use of military force, and it’s gravely concerning. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I stand by the Constitution and by our troops — we must follow the law and rules of engagement," Vasquez said in a statement.
“Declaring war on a foreign government and sending American servicemembers into harm’s way is a solemn decision, and our Founding Fathers made it clear — only Congress has the power to declare war. The Administration owes it to the American people to respect the Constitution and provide evidence and transparency around what it is really doing with our taxpayer dollars in the Caribbean and Venezuela. The last thing Americans want is another drawn-out conflict in a faraway place that does nothing to make their lives better. I’m from our southern border, so I firmly believe we must be doing everything we can to combat bad actors and cartels smuggling drugs into our country. That means investing in smart border technology and supporting our law enforcement officers, not pouring our resources into a conflict with a weak nation, which won’t solve the fentanyl crisis here at home.
“Escalating hostilities in Venezuela will drive up energy prices for Americans and funnel taxpayer money away from things that actually matter here at home. My constituents are worried about the price of groceries and making rent on time, yet the Administration chooses to focus on starting new conquests overseas — it’s wrong, and we must refocus.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:12 PM EST
Navy Admiral who ordered military strikes on boats gives classified briefing showing footage of Sept. 2 attack
Navy Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified as the person who ordered the U.S. military strikes on boats off the coast of Venezuela, has given a classified briefing to Congressional committees.
Bradley showed the video of a September 2 strike that killed two survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat, to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on Wednesday.
Democrats have called for the video to be released publicly and for every member of Congress to have access to the full footage.
However, following the meeting, several Republican senators said they agreed with Hegseth's decision to to release the video. Other GOP senators remained quiet.
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:59 PM EST
Rep. Dan Newhouse won’t seek reelection in 2026
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R‑Wash.) announced Wednesday he will not run for reelection in 2026, adding to concerns among Republicans about further retirements in their narrow House majority.
Newhouse, one of the few remaining GOP lawmakers who voted to impeach President Donald Trump in 2021, has served in Congress since 2015. His departure underscores the challenges facing Republican leaders, who must maintain near‑unanimous support within the conference to advance legislation.
The decision comes as party strategists brace for a complex election cycle, with retirements and defections threatening to complicate efforts to hold control of the chamber.
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:48 PM EST
Senators press FCC chair Carr over Kimmel remarks
House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back Wednesday against suggestions his leadership is faltering after several swing‑district Republicans joined Democrats in a discharge petition to force a vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits.
“I have not lost control of the House,” Johnson told CNN, attributing the challenge to the GOP’s “razor‑thin” majority. He noted the current margin is the smallest in U.S. history, making internal dissent harder to manage.
Johnson argued that procedural maneuvers like discharge petitions are more common when majorities are larger, saying leaders then have “the luxury of having 10 or 15 people who disagree on something.”
The petition, if successful, would compel a floor vote on the subsidies, which are set to expire soon.
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:32 PM EST
Obama-appointed judge joins Trump appointees to give president a win
A federal appeals court on Wednesday handed President Donald Trump a legal victory by allowing the continued deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocking a lower court order that would have ended the mission. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel said Trump may succeed in arguing that the president holds a unique authority to mobilize the Guard in the federal district.
The ruling stayed a decision by a district court judge who had found the deployment improperly encroached on the authority of local officials.
The three-judge panel consisted of Patricia A. Millett, an appointee of President Barack Obama, along with Gregory G. Katsas and Neomi J. Rao, both appointed by President Donald Trump.
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:22 PM EST
Senators press FCC chair Carr over Kimmel remarks
Democratic senators sharply questioned Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr on Wednesday over comments he made about comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who was briefly pulled from ABC after criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his murder.
Carr had told a conservative podcaster that broadcasters could “do this the easy way or the hard way,” suggesting companies should take action against Kimmel or face additional FCC scrutiny.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D‑Minn.) asked Carr whether it was appropriate to use his position to threaten outlets airing political satire. Carr responded by citing the longstanding “public interest standard” that governs licensees on public airwaves.
Sen. Patrick Markey (D‑Mass.) accused Carr of engaging in “government censorship” in connection with an FCC probe of a San Francisco broadcaster. Carr countered that broadcasters are being held accountable to rules on hoaxes and news distortion.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D‑Wis.) went further, calling Carr “a parrot for President Trump” and charging that his actions have undermined the FCC’s independence.
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:16 PM EST
WATCH: Cruz says FCC on ABC to remove Jimmy Kimmel is ‘deeply chilling’
Dec 17, 2025 at 01:08 PM EST
Hochul’s office mocks Trump ahead of national address
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press office took a swipe at President Donald Trump on Wednesday, mocking his upcoming prime‑time address to the nation.
Trump is scheduled to speak at 9 p.m. ET from the White House, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt telling reporters he will highlight his “accomplishments over the past 11 months.”
In response, Hochul’s office posted a clip of Leavitt’s remarks with the caption: “Should be a pretty short speech!”
The jab comes as Trump prepares to deliver his remarks from the Diplomatic Reception Room, a speech the White House has billed as a reflection on his first year back in office.
Dec 17, 2025 at 12:53 PM EST
Durbin sees momentum in house Obamacare petition
Sen. Dick Durbin (D‑Ill.) voiced optimism Tuesday that a House discharge petition to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies could spur progress in stalled health care negotiations.
Speaking to CNN, Durbin said Democrats are seeking “a chance to vote on a bill that protects more families from these outrageous health insurance premiums.” He added that Republicans opposing the measure may face political backlash at home.
The petition, backed by House Democrats and a handful of GOP centrists, would force a floor vote if enough signatures are secured. While passage in the House appears likely, similar efforts have already faltered in the Senate.
Dec 17, 2025 at 12:51 PM EST
Venezuela demands UN Security Council denounce US seizure of oil tanker
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has called on the U.N. Security Council to condemn the U.S. for seizing the oil tanker off Venezuela's coast last week.
Gil urged the council to issue a statement denouncing the seizure as an act of "piracy" and stating that the U.N. hasn’t authorized actions against Venezuela, “or against the international commercialization of its oil.”
He also demanded, in the letter to the council first obtained by the Associated Press, that the U.S. immediately release the “kidnapped crew” and the oil its illegally confiscated.
Dec 17, 2025 at 12:39 PM EST
Fani Willis defends record in fiery Georgia Senate testimony
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis delivered combative testimony Wednesday before a Georgia Senate committee examining her office’s spending in the Trump investigation.
“I doubt that anyone will have trouble hearing me,” Willis said after being asked to move closer to the microphone, immediately setting a defiant tone. She described herself as a “murder prosecutor,” citing a 92 percent conviction rate and a 30 percent drop in the county’s murder rate since taking office. “Best to ever do it,” she added.
Sen. Greg Dolezal led questioning, pressing Willis on her transition team and the role of Nathan Wade, whose personal relationship with her ultimately derailed the Trump prosecution. Willis defended Wade as “a lawyer with a distinguished resume” and rejected claims he was improperly hired.
She also criticized state support for district attorneys, arguing low pay makes recruitment difficult. “If you want to look at some legislation, you should look at paying DAs across this country more money,” she said.
Willis pushed back against suggestions she campaigned on prosecuting Trump, pointing to comments by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “That is a lie,” she said, insisting the case only emerged after she was already in office.
Dec 17, 2025 at 12:26 PM EST
Policy expert warns Trump’s Venezuela blockade risks illegal war
President Donald Trump’s newly announced blockade on ships entering and leaving Venezuela drew sharp criticism Wednesday from Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy.
Duss said the measure constitutes an act of war under international law and warned it could launch an illegal U.S. conflict in the hemisphere. “Donald Trump is starting an illegal and reckless war with Venezuela,” he said, noting that blockades are recognized as acts of war and pointing to recent U.S. military buildups in the Caribbean.
He argued the move breaks Trump’s campaign promise to end foreign wars and risks repeating “the worst moments of American imperialist violence” in Latin America. Citing polling that shows 70 percent of U.S. voters oppose military action in Venezuela, Duss urged Congress to assert its constitutional war powers.
Lawmakers are expected to vote soon on measures under the War Powers Resolution that would clarify that the president lacks authorization to engage U.S. forces against Venezuela.
Dec 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM EST
More in the news: Treasury launches ‘Trump accounts’ to build generational wealth
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday unveiled the official “Trump Accounts” program, describing it as “the biggest merger in history — the merger of Main Street and Wall Street.”
Speaking at the Treasury Department, Bessent said the initiative will allow eligible U.S. parents of children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, to open tax‑advantaged savings accounts aimed at fostering long‑term wealth. Each account will receive $1,000 in federal seed funding next year, with additional contributions expected from families, employers and philanthropists.
Bessent announced that investor Ray Dalio has joined the “50‑state challenge,” pledging support from Connecticut. BlackRock separately said it will match the government’s contribution for its roughly 9,400 U.S. employees, with companies permitted to add up to $2,500 annually.
Earlier this month, Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to the program, which Bessent framed as a cornerstone of what he called an “ownership economy” where citizens become shareholders in American prosperity.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:57 AM EST
WATCH: Pete Hegseth says US has ‘only just begun’ striking narco boats—12/2
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:42 AM EST
Also in the news: GOP centrist to join Democrats on Obamacare subsidy push
Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑N.Y.) said Tuesday he is preparing to sign onto House Democrats’ discharge petition to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, breaking with Speaker Mike Johnson after weeks of internal GOP disputes.
Lawler, who represents a competitive New York district, has worked closely with fellow centrist Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑Pa.) on a compromise plan. When Johnson rejected their proposal, the two lawmakers opted to support Democrats’ effort instead.
Once Lawler adds his name, Democrats will need only two more Republicans to force a floor vote on the measure. While the bill would likely pass the House, a similar proposal has already stalled in the Senate.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:22 AM EST
Trump to attend transfer ceremony, address nation as Capitol holds key hearings
President Donald Trump is scheduled to take part in a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware this afternoon for two U.S. service members killed in Syria over the weekend. The ceremony is set for 1:15 p.m. ET.
Later tonight, Trump will deliver a national address from the White House’s Diplomatic Reception Room at 9 p.m. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News the president will highlight what she described as his “historic accomplishments” over the past year.
On Capitol Hill, former special counsel Jack Smith is expected to testify in a closed‑door deposition before the House Judiciary Committee regarding his prosecutions of Trump. Sources told CNN Smith will discuss allegations of mishandling classified documents, efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and the use of phone records. Smith has denied political motivations and said he is willing to testify publicly.
Separately, the Senate and House Armed Services committees will receive closed briefings today on the U.S. military’s September 2 strike against an alleged drug‑running vessel.
Dec 17, 2025 at 11:08 AM EST
If you’re just catching up, here is what’s going on with Trump and Venezuela
President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro this week, ordering a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country.
Announcing the move on Tuesday, Trump claimed Venezuela was “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America” and demanded oil, land, and assets he alleged had been stolen from the United States.
The Venezuelan government condemned the blockade as a “reckless and serious threat,” accusing Trump of seeking to seize the nation’s resources. Officials urged the international community to reject what they called an “extravagant threat.”
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham voiced support for regime change in Caracas after a briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Maduro is not a legitimate president. He’s actually head of one of these terrorist organizations, and I am glad that we’re taking him on,” Graham said.
The blockade marks the latest escalation in Washington’s campaign against Maduro’s government, intensifying tensions across the region.
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:53 AM EST
Trump to honor fallen soldiers, address nation tonight
President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Dover, Delaware, on Wednesday to witness the return of two U.S. soldiers killed over the weekend in Syria, according to the White House agenda.
Later in the evening, Trump will deliver a televised address to the nation at 9 p.m. The administration has not disclosed the subject of the speech, though observers note it comes as the president faces declining approval ratings.
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:39 AM EST
Tulsi Gabbard’s past Venezuela remarks resurface amid debate
Comments from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard are drawing renewed attention as U.S. policy toward Venezuela faces scrutiny.
In a 2019 post on X, Gabbard urged Washington to avoid interfering in the country’s political future. “The United States needs to stay out of Venezuela. Let the Venezuelan people determine their future. We don't want other countries to choose our leaders—so we have to stop trying to choose theirs,” she wrote.
Journalist Michael Tracey highlighted Gabbard’s earlier legislative efforts to curb presidential war powers. She once introduced a measure declaring that “Presidential wars not declared by Congress” should be considered impeachable offenses, calling them “the most flagrant and dangerous of Presidential usurpations.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:24 AM EST
PDVSA resumes oil deliveries after cyberattack
Venezuela’s state‑run oil company PDVSA restarted crude shipments on Wednesday following a cyberattack that disrupted its centralized administrative systems earlier in the week, according to sources familiar with operations.
Officials said the company was able to isolate oilfields, refineries, ports and other facilities from the compromised network, allowing exports to resume. Workers at terminals are now keeping manual records of deliveries to prevent a prolonged suspension.
The restart comes as PDVSA faces new U.S. restrictions announced Tuesday, blocking sanctioned tankers from entering or leaving Venezuelan waters after the seizure of a cargo last week.
Chevron, a joint‑venture partner, was loading two shipments bound for the United States on Wednesday, according to shipping data.
Dec 17, 2025 at 10:10 AM EST
WATCH: I debated myself over Trump’s potential war in Venezuela
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:56 AM EST
House to consider second War Powers resolution on Venezuela
Lawmakers will face two separate war powers resolutions on Wednesday as debate over U.S. military actions near Venezuela intensifies.
In addition to a measure targeting Trump’s troop deployments around the country, the House is expected to vote on legislation introduced by Rep. Greg Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. His resolution would require the president to end hostilities against any “presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere,” broadening the scope beyond Venezuela alone.
The proposal has drawn support from 40 Democratic co‑sponsors but no Republicans, underscoring the partisan divide over Trump’s regional strategy.
The votes will test how far Congress is willing to challenge the administration’s use of military power in Latin America.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:40 AM EST
House to vote on resolution challenging Trump’s Venezuela strategy
The House of Representatives is set to vote on Wednesday on a war powers resolution that would require President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from waters near Venezuela, testing whether his party is united behind his escalating strategy.
The measure, introduced by Rep. James McGovern, D‑Mass., has 39 Democratic co‑sponsors and three Republicans: Don Bacon of Nebraska, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Kentucky. Both Massie and Greene have clashed with Trump in the past, making their support notable.
A vote is expected by 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The resolution follows a classified briefingon Tuesday in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s approach. Many Republicans signaled they backed Trump’s actions, though the bipartisan support for McGovern’s measure suggests some unease within the chamber.
The outcome will reveal whether lawmakers are willing to challenge the president’s use of military power in the region.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:26 AM EST
Missteps undermine Trump’s crime crackdown
President Donald Trump’s push for tougher crime enforcement in Washington, D.C., has been overshadowed by mounting legal errors within the Justice Department.
One case involved Torez Riley, arrested in August after agents found firearms in his backpack at a Trader Joe’s. Charges were later dismissed when surveillance footage showed the search lacked probable cause. A federal magistrate judge, Zia Faruqui, said the incident reflected a broader pattern of prosecutorial mistakes, noting a 21% dismissal rate of criminal complaints in recent weeks compared to less than 1% over the past decade.
The department has also faced setbacks in high‑profile cases, including the failed prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. Judges have cited misstatements of law, improper handling of evidence, and questions about the legitimacy of appointed prosecutors.
Legal experts warn that credibility losses are eroding trust in federal courts, with some grand juries rejecting indictments and judges openly questioning the department’s conduct. A wave of departures — more than 2,900 attorneys this year — has further strained institutional knowledge.
While Justice Department officials insist they are securing major wins in other cases, critics argue the missteps are undermining Trump’s agenda and raising doubts about the department’s ability to enforce the law effectively.
Dec 17, 2025 at 09:11 AM EST
Trump address delays ‘Survivor’ season 49 finale
CBS will delay the Survivor season 49 finale to air President Donald Trump’s Oval Office address on Wednesday night.
Trump announced the speech on Truth Social, saying he will speak live at 9 p.m. EST to highlight what he called a “great year” for the country and preview the year ahead.
CBS confirmed the address will be carried as a special report anchored by Norah O’Donnell, with White House correspondent Nancy Cordes contributing. The three‑hour Survivor finale, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., will pause for the president’s remarks and resume afterward in full for Eastern and Central time zone viewers.
The delay also affects Fox’s finale of The Floor. On Survivor, Sage Ahrens‑Nichols, Sophi Balerdi, Savannah Louie, Kristina Mills and Rizo Velovic remain in contention for the $1 million prize, with two contestants set to return for the show’s 50th all‑star season.
Dec 17, 2025 at 08:54 AM EST
WATCH: Maduro calls Trump’s oil blockade an act of ‘piracy’
Dec 17, 2025 at 08:40 AM EST
Also in the news: Vanity Fair writer defends interview amid White House criticism
Vanity Fair journalist Chris Whipple pushed back Tuesday against the White House’s claim that his recent profile of senior Trump adviser Susie Wiles amounted to a “hit piece.”
Whipple’s article included remarks attributed to Wiles in which she described Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality,” and labeled Sen. JD Vance a conspiracy theorist. It referred to Elon Musk as an “avowed” ketamine user.
Wiles later argued that her comments had been taken out of context, but Whipple insisted the reporting was accurate. “Everything is on tape,” he said, defending the integrity of the interview.
Dec 17, 2025 at 08:27 AM EST
Oil prices rise as markets react to Trump’s blockade threat
Global oil prices climbed after President Donald Trump announced plans for a naval blockade on Venezuelan crude shipments, raising concerns about supply disruptions.
U.S. crude futures rose more than 2%, with Brent gaining $1.41, or 2.4%, to $60.33 a barrel at 10:18 GMT. West Texas Intermediate advanced $1.42, or 2.6%, to $56.69.
Prices had been hovering near five‑year lows amid optimism over Ukraine peace talks, but traders said the risk to Venezuelan exports is now driving markets higher.
“Venezuelan oil production accounts for around 1% of global output, but supplies are concentrated among a small group of buyers, mainly Chinese teapot refiners, the U.S., and Cuba,” Muyu Xu, senior oil analyst at Kpler, told AP.
Analysts noted that uncertainty over how the blockade would be enforced has added volatility, underscoring the geopolitical pressures shaping energy markets.
Dec 17, 2025 at 08:13 AM EST
Cuba backs Venezuela in rejecting U.S. naval blockade
Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel Bermúdez voiced strong opposition Tuesday to the U.S. government’s naval blockade against Venezuela, calling it an assault on sovereignty and self‑determination.
In a social media message, Díaz‑Canel reaffirmed Havana’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Bolivarian Revolution, and the Popular‑Military Union that underpins the country’s political process. He also endorsed Caracas’ official statement condemning the measure as a “grotesque threat” to seize Venezuela’s oil, land, and mineral wealth.
The Venezuelan government’s December 16, 2025, declaration accused President Donald Trump of violating international law, free trade, and freedom of navigation. Officials said they will file a formal complaint with the United Nations and pledged to defend national rights under the Constitution and the UN Charter.
Cuba and Venezuela, longtime allies, framed the blockade as part of Washington’s broader campaign of pressure and hostility against Latin American integration.
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:59 AM EST
Venezuela condemns Trump’s military blockade threat
President Donald Trump signaled plans for a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers but offered no details on how it would be enforced, including whether the Coast Guard might again be directed to seize vessels.
In recent weeks, his administration has deployed thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships — among them the world’s largest aircraft carrier — to waters north of Venezuela. The buildup appears aimed at cutting off the country’s oil exports, its primary source of revenue, to further pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Venezuela responded Tuesday with a statement asserting sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation in the Caribbean. Officials denounced Trump’s order as an “irrational military blockade” and a “grotesque threat” intended to strip the nation of its wealth.
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:46 AM EST
Trump to deliver address from White House tonight
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will deliver a live address to the nation from the White House tonight.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the speech will begin at 9 p.m. EST and described it as a chance to reflect on what he called a “great year” for the country. “The best is yet to come,” he wrote.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the address will highlight what Trump views as his most significant accomplishments over the past year and preview policy priorities for 2026. She added that the remarks will also touch on the holiday season.
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:31 AM EST
Senators split over transparency after briefing on Sept. 2 strike
Lawmakers emerged divided Tuesday after a classified Senate briefing on the Sept. 2 “double tap” strike, with Democrats pressing for the release of unedited video footage and Republicans voicing confidence in the operation’s legality.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R‑S.C., said he was convinced the military had clear authority to target suspected smuggling boats. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we have the legal authority to blow up these boats,” he told reporters.
Democrats expressed frustration with the limited access to information. Sen. Mark Kelly, D‑Ariz., said the session left him with “more questions” than answers, noting that only a handful of senators were able to ask questions before the briefing ended. “They don’t want to be that transparent with us,” Kelly said.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R‑Okla., defended keeping the video classified, citing sensitive equipment and techniques. “It’s at a highly classified level,” he said, adding that the administration has been “highly transparent.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 07:18 AM EST
Nonprofits launch campaign urging troops to resist unlawful orders
Two nonprofit organizations have unveiled a new ad campaign to inform U.S. service members of their legal rights if they believe they have been given unlawful commands.
The initiative, announced Tuesday, features billboards with the message “Obey Only Lawful Orders” alongside digital outreach directing troops to confidential resources and legal guidance. Organizers said the effort is designed to ensure military personnel understand the protections available to them under U.S. law.
The campaign comes as debate intensifies over the Trump administration’s recent military actions targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Latin America. Critics, including some lawmakers and legal experts, argue the strikes may breach both domestic and international law.
One online message addresses service members directly: “If you believe you’ve received a ‘manifestly unlawful order,’ you are protected by law and you are not alone.”
Dec 17, 2025 at 06:24 AM EST
What Has Trump Said About Venezuela?
Trump has spoken about the possibility of military action in Venezuela multiple time before.
On November 17, during a briefing in the Oval Office, a reporter asked whether he would rule out "U.S. troops on the ground," Trump replied: "No, I don't rule out that. I don't rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela."
Trump added: "So I'm not in love with the people running Venezuela. I love Venezuela. I love the people of Venezuela, but what they've done to this country, and I really say this what (Former President Joe) Biden and the Democrats have done to this country can never, ever be forgotten."
He went on to say that he "probably would" talk to Maduro but added that it is "hard to say" what Maduro could "say or do that would allow (Maduro) to feel like he could stay with (Trump's) support."
Maduro has "done tremendous damage to our country, primarily because of drugs," Trump said, according to the Associated Press. "But really because we have that problem with other countries, too...more than any other country, the release of prisoners into our country has been a disaster."
"He's emptied his jails," Trump said. "He has not been good to the United States. So, we'll see what happens. At a certain period of time I'll be talking to him."
On Nicolás Maduro:
Trump has long been open about disliking Maduro and has not ruled out removing him from office.
"We'll see what happens," Trump said in September when asked if removing the socialist president was on the table. "It's not an option or a non-option."
"Maduro had an election that was wrong," Trump said of Maduro on Sunday, calling the vote "certainly corrupt."
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:45 AM EST
Who Does Venezuela Sell Oil To?
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven crude deposits, and any future change in production—whether through political shifts, sanctions adjustments or new agreements—could eventually boost global supply, ease U.S. inflationary pressures and strengthen Washington’s leverage in a region increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition.
Venezuela’s vast oil reserves remain largely underexploited, constrained by political instability, infrastructure challenges, and sanctions. Any shift in access or production could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets, and the combination of political uncertainty and military tension makes the situation highly consequential for Trump’s domestic economic and political agenda.
The majority of Venezuela's exported oil (80 percent) went to China in November - around 746,000 bpd, - according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the United States bought 150,000 bpd last month, up from 128,000 bpd in October - this accounts for between 15% and 17% of Venezuela's total oil exports, according to Francisco Monaldi, a Venezuelan oil expert at Rice University in Houston, who spoke to the AP. The rest goes to Cuba, he said.
The United States bought its oil largely through shipments by Chevron - a U.S. company licensed to operate joint ventures and export crude while barring payments to the Maduro government. The Trump administration cancelled this license in February, but re-instated it in July. Newsweek has covered this in more detail here.
Despite America's military presence in the Caribbean, Venezuela's total exports more than doubled in November, from 74,000 bpd in October to 167,000 bpd.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:42 AM EST
Venezuela Military Sites Trump Could Target
U.S. President Donald Trump's oil blockade against Venezuela, announced late on Tuesday, has raised the prospect of further military action against Nicolas Maduro's regime.
Trump has not said when or how land strikes against Venezuela might take place, but some form of U.S. military intervention may be necessary if the Pentagon is to enforce the blockade, which will seek to stop U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers from leaving—or reaching—Venezuelan waters.
Military bases used by Venezuela's armed forces, such as naval ports and air bases hosting air defense equipment, could be among the primary targets of an escalated campaign against Caracas, although it remains unclear just how far Trump is willing to go.
Also on Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reissued a warning "for potentially hazardous situation in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region," which covers the entirety of Venezuela.
The notice to airmen, or NOTAM, runs through February 19, pointing to a protracted campaign ahead. A NOTAM was previously announced over Curacao until December 31, while a similar airspace warning over Puerto Rico will only be lifted on February 16—although all can be reissued or extended.
"Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela," the FAA said. "Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground."
Read in full: Map Shows Possible Targets as Trump Weighs Land Strikes in Venezuela.
Dec 17, 2025 at 04:07 AM EST
Death Toll Nears 100 in U.S. Drug Vessel Strikes
U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-running vessels off the coast of Latin America have killed at least 94 people to date, according to Associated Press. Airwars, a civilian harm watchdog, puts the death toll at 95 since the counternarcotics operation began in September.
On Monday, the U.S. Southern Command said it had carried out strikes on three vessels smuggling drugs in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, killing eight men. It was the 25th incident disclosed by the Pentagon, Airwars said.
Nearly half of all strikes have taken place in the Caribbean Sea, with the remainder happening in the Pacific, often in what the Trump administration says are known narco routes.
The strikes have increased tensions with Venezuela and Colombia amid a U.S. military buildup in the region, but they have also caused unease at home in the United States over their legality. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said recently that the operations "are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict."
Read in full: Eight Killed in Latest Drug Vessel Strikes—Map.
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:56 AM EST
How the US Navy Is Surrounding Venezuela
U.S. naval assets in the region are largely known, and current positions illustrate what a military blockade of Venezuela could look like. Roughly 12 U.S. warships form a broad arc 50 to 100 miles off Venezuela’s northern coast, controlling key maritime approaches.
At the center is the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, operating in the central Caribbean after a port call in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Supporting vessels include guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill, USS Bainbridge, and USS Mahan, the cruiser USS Lake Erie, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, and amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale. The special-mission vessel MV Ocean Trader adds surveillance and expeditionary capability, creating layered sea, air, and missile coverage across the Caribbean and into the Eastern Pacific under U.S. Southern Command.
In the air, an estimated 30 to 50 U.S. aircraft support regional operations. F-35A fighters and EA-18G Growlers provide strike and electronic attack; P-8A Poseidons patrol sea lanes; and an MQ-4C Triton conducts broad-area surveillance. Mobility and sustainment are maintained by C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, six KC-135 tankers, and KC-46A Pegasus refuelers. HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters and HC-130J aircraft cover combat search and rescue, while AC-130J Ghostrider gunships provide precision strike. An AN/TPS-80 radar in Trinidad and Tobago extends detection coverage, highlighting how U.S. forces could enforce a blockade.
Dec 17, 2025 at 03:22 AM EST
A Recap on How We Got Here
In recent months, the U.S. military has carried out at least 25 known strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, as part of a campaign President Donald Trump has launched to tackle the smuggling of drugs to the United States. At least 95 people have been killed, according to the Associated Press.
Recent strikes took place on Monday, undertaken at the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, SOUTHCOM said in a statement on X.
“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters,” the command said.
“Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking. A total of eight male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions—three in the first vessel, two in the second and three in the third.”
You can read more about the December 15 strikes here.
Both Hegseth and Trump have insisted that the strikes are lawful, with Hegseth saying in a statement last month: “Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.”
But some lawmakers and former military lawyers argue that the strikes may be breaching peacetime limits.
Before these strikes, on December 10, U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, calling it “the largest one ever seized." Maduro said Venezuela considers the seizure a "theft of the nation's assets" and accused the U.S. of “kidnapping” crew members."
"They robbed a private boat with weapons and the crew members have been missing for five days; we don't know if they are being tortured," he said at the time, according to VTV.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a previous statement: “The seizure of this vessel highlights our successful efforts to impose costs on the governments of Venezuela and Iran."
Newsweek has covered the oil tanker seizure here.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:52 AM EST
Venezuela Reacts: What Maduro Said About Trump Blockade
Venezuela on Tuesday condemned Trump's order of a “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers going in and out of its ports as a “reckless threat” against the South American nation.
The government of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro said the United States was attempting to impose an “irrational military blockade” aimed at “stealing” the country's wealth, according to a statement carried by state media outlet Agencia Venezolana de Noticias.
“On (Trump's) social media, he assumes that Venezuela’s oil, land, and mineral wealth are his property,” the statement said of said. “Consequently, he demands that Venezuela immediately hand over all its riches. The President of the United States intends to impose, in an utterly irrational manner, a supposed naval blockade on Venezuela with the aim of stealing the wealth that belongs to our nation.”
Newsweek has covered this further here.
Dec 17, 2025 at 02:22 AM EST
Donald Trump’s Statement in Full
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America. It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before — Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us.
"The illegitimate Maduro Regime is using Oil from these stolen Oil Fields to finance themselves, Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping. For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.
"Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. The Illegal Aliens and Criminals that the Maduro Regime has sent into the United States during the weak and inept Biden Administration, are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace.
"America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
"DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
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