December 17 Maduro erupts as Trump vows massive blockade around Venezuela — decries ‘warmongering threats’ Trump orders complete blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, calling nation's assets "stolen" as U.S. naval forces surround the country in escalating tensions.
December 17 Trump targets Maduro as Western Hemisphere becomes ‘first line of defense’ in new strategy Trump administration's new National Security Strategy elevates Western Hemisphere as security priority, targeting Venezuela crisis and instability.
December 17 Policy group praises Trump’s 100 global wins since taking office, from cartel crackdowns to peace deals Analysis reveals President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" strategy reshaping global relations with Venezuela operations, Middle East diplomacy and alliances.
December 16 Trump declares 'Venezuelan regime' a foreign terrorist organization, orders oil tanker blockade Trump orders total Venezuela oil blockade, designates Maduro regime as foreign terrorist organization over stolen U.S. assets and criminal activities.
December 16 BREAKING: Trump designates Venezuela regime a foreign terrorist organization, orders blockade An ‘All-star’ panel breaks down the latest move by the Trump Administration to blockade all ‘sanctioned oil tankers’ going into and out of Venezuela on ‘Special Report.’Â
December 16 US designates Colombia's Clan del Golfo as a terrorist organization, citing narcotics trafficking The U.S. designated Colombia's Clan del Golfo a terrorist organization in a major counter-narcotics move targeting one of the country's largest armed groups.
December 16 Graham issues 'fatal' warning if Maduro stays in power as US buildup raises stakes Sen. Graham warns leaving Maduro in power after U.S. military show of force would be "fatal mistake" as Venezuela tensions escalate.
December 16 ‘Ghost ships’ ferrying illicit oil have sailed into Trump’s crosshairs Secret fleet of oil tankers uses fake flags, shell companies and disabled tracking to smuggle crude from Russia, Iran and Venezuela despite sanctions.
December 15 JetBlue pilot calls Air Force near-miss 'outrageous' after tanker crosses flight path JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York narrowly avoided mid-air collision with U.S. Air Force tanker near Venezuela, forcing evasive action during climb.
December 15 SOUTHCOM commander abruptly retires amid escalating scrutiny of Caribbean strikes SOUTHCOM commander Adm. Alvin Holsey retires after less than a year leading the combatant command, amid growing scrutiny over controversial drug boat strikes in Caribbean waters.