Trump Warns Maduro as U.S. Intensifies Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday as the U.S. Coast Guard escalated efforts to intercept oil tankers allegedly helping Venezuela evade American sanctions.

Speaking alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump suggested the U.S. is prepared to intensify pressure on the Maduro regime. “If he plays tough,” Trump said, “it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough.”

The comments came as the Coast Guard continued pursuing a sanctioned tanker believed to be part of Venezuela’s so-called “dark fleet” — vessels accused of operating under false flags to transport oil in defiance of U.S. sanctions. According to the White House, the tanker is subject to a U.S. judicial seizure order.

This marks the third tanker targeted in recent days. On Saturday, U.S. authorities seized a Panama-flagged vessel named Centuries, and earlier this month confiscated another tanker, Skipper, with assistance from the U.S. Navy.

Trump has previously declared a “blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments and reiterated that Maduro’s grip on power is weakening. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the seizures are intended to send a global message that Venezuela’s alleged illegal activities “cannot stand.”

Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly begun evacuating the families of diplomats from Caracas, signaling rising international concern over the situation. Venezuela’s foreign minister condemned the U.S. actions as piracy and violations of international law, while affirming Russia’s support.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, daily life continued near Venezuelan refineries, where residents described a stark contrast to past years when oil production — and prosperity — was far higher.