Former US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out the possibility of going to war with Venezuela, as a substantial American military force assembles in the Caribbean region. The remarks follow his administration's announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers.
"He Knows What I Want": Trump's Stance on Maduro
In an interview with NBC News on Friday 19 December 2025, Trump was asked directly about potential military action against the South American nation. "I don’t rule it out, no," he stated. He further commented that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "knows exactly what I want, he knows better than anybody."
The Trump administration has maintained a hostile position towards Maduro's government, with the former president demanding that Caracas "return all the oil they previously stole from us." He did not provide specific details on what oil, land, or assets the White House believes were taken.
A Massive Naval Force Deployed
The US has amassed an unusually large military presence near Venezuela. The force, described by Trump as "the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America," includes significant firepower under the US Southern Command.
The deployment comprises 15,000 personnel and 11 Navy warships. This fleet is led by America's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. It is supported by five destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, and two cruisers. The vessels carry multiple fighter jet squadrons, Marine helicopters, Harrier jets, and Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, providing substantial capacity for marine deployment and strikes.
Additionally, a US Navy submarine capable of launching cruise missiles is operating in the broader South American area.
Recent Actions and Congressional Scrutiny
This military escalation follows a series of aggressive moves. Washington recently seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. For months, the US has also conducted air strikes on vessels it labels 'drug boats,' alleged to be transporting narcotics toward the US via the Caribbean.
These strikes have proven deadly. More than 100 people have been killed across 28 strikes. One particular "double tap" strike – a follow-up attack on the same location – has drawn condemnation from several members of the US Congress.
When questioned about future seizures of oil tankers, Trump told NBC, "It depends. If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbours."
The former president's actions are under scrutiny, given his past promise to be a "President of Peace." He was recently awarded the new, but widely questioned, Fifa Peace Prize.
