U.S. Takes Control of Seized Venezuelan Oil Tanker
On Wednesday, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt announced the United States’ intention to take over the oil onboard a tanker off Venezuela’s coast that had been captured by the U.S. military. This move follows a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy noted on Thursday that President Trump believes lowering energy costs could help reduce overall prices for consumers. Doocy raised the question of whether the seized oil could be used to benefit American consumers directly.
Levitt explained, “The ship is headed to a U.S. port, and while we’re seizing the oil, there’s a legal framework we’ll follow.” The U.S. military had seized the tanker under suspicions of it transporting oil sanctioned by the U.S., linked to both Venezuela and Iran, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
A statement indicated the ship is currently undergoing legal action. Levitt elaborated that an investigative team is on-site dealing with evidence and questioning those involved. Apparently, the tanker, known as Skipper, had been loaded with around 1.8 million barrels of oil, transferring some 200,000 barrels just prior to its capture. Reports suggest the oil’s value could range between $60 and $100 million, although responses from the White House about its estimated worth were not immediate.
Since September, U.S. military efforts have targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking near Venezuela, a campaign initiated as part of President Trump’s strategy to combat drug influx. This has reportedly resulted in at least 22 targeted strikes, claiming numerous lives.
During a news conference, Doocy questioned whether the military’s actions and the rising tensions are more about oil than drugs. Levitt replied, indicating that the administration is concentrating on various issues in the Western Hemisphere. She emphasized the importance of addressing both drug trafficking and enforcing sanctions, referring to the severe impact drugs have on American lives.
Levitt also clarified that the Department of Justice had acted under a seizure warrant for the vessel, which is known for its ties to delivering illicit oil to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a sanctioned entity. Historically, Venezuela has been an important oil supplier for the U.S., but recent sanctions have complicated that relationship.
Levitt reiterated the administration’s stance on not allowing sanctioned vessels to operate freely, stressing the negative global implications of illegal oil trade. Through these actions, the U.S. not only aims to combat drug trafficking but also seeks to challenge the authority of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a broader context.
