U.S. seizes oil tanker amid tensions with Venezuela and health care disagreements plague the GOP: Morning Rundown
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US to Seize Oil From Intercepted Tanker Off Venezuela
Is this a legal strike against Maduro's regime funding, or an international act of piracy to plunder Venezuelan resources?
Above: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House on Dec. 11, 2025. Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Seizing the tanker and its cargo legally strikes at Maduro's cash flow that has long funded both his criminal regime and the police state in Cuba. With this action, the U.S. is backing democratic restoration after Maduro lost the 2024 election but stayed through theft and terror. A plunge in oil revenue may spark panic in military ranks and increase unrest in Caracas.
Establishment-critical narrative
The military assault and hijacking of a private civilian vessel carrying purchased oil constitutes international piracy and theft. The crew remains hostage with unknown whereabouts after this criminal act north of Trinidad and Tobago. This reveals the true motive behind U.S. months-long aggression has always been plundering Venezuelan energy resources.
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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.1
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.1