US to seize Venezuela-linked oil after legal process, says White House

STORY: :: The White House says the U.S. plans to seize Venezuela-linked oil after legal process

:: December 11, 2025

:: Washington, D.C.

:: Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

"The president promised on the campaign trail that he would demolish the foreign terrorist organizations and drug cartels around the world, especially right here in our own hemisphere. And you have seen that he is delivering on that promise with respect to the oil. And what happened yesterday, the Department of Justice requested and was approved for a warrant to seize a vessel because it's a sanctioned shadow vessel known for carrying black market sanctioned oil to the IRGC, which, you know, is a sanctioned entity. So the president is committed to stopping the illegal flow of drugs into our country. He's also fully committed to effectuating this administration's sanction policy. And that's what you saw and the world saw take place yesterday." //

"So, what I can tell you right now, the vessel has been seized, as you know, and the Department of Justice did that in conjunction with the Coast Guard and the Department of War.The vessel is currently undergoing a forfeiture process right now. The United States currently has a full investigative team on the ground on the vessel, and individuals on board the vessel are being interviewed and any relevant evidence is being seized. With respect to the oil. That's a different issue. As you know, Peter, the vessel will go to a U.S. port and the United States does intend to seize the oil. However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil and that legal process will be followed."

Officials said the Justice Department approved a warrant authorizing the seizure of the vessel, Leavitt said.

The U.S. is preparing to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil following the seizure of a tanker this week, as it increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, six sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The seizure was the first interdiction of an oil cargo or tanker from Venezuela, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2019. The action came as the U.S. executes a large-scale military buildup in the southern Caribbean and as U.S. President Donald Trump campaigns for Maduro's ouster.