Trump blasts GOP senators after Senate advances a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting his military authority in Venezuela, highlighting congressional pushback. 

Trump says republicans voting for War Powers Resolution should be 'ashamed'

US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on Venezuela have sparked controversy, with critics calling it an oil gambit aimed at reshaping US–Venezuela relations. The regime in Caracas may be leveraging its vast oil reserves to gain Trump’s political support and ensure its survival. This opinion piece examines the geopolitical risks, energy stakes, and what Trump’s comments could mean for Venezuela’s future and global oil markets.

Trump's High-Stakes Venezuela Oil Gambit 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday called on the US to target Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechnya region, with an "operation" comparable to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.


Zelensky urges Trump to capture Chechen head Kadyrov,  quips on after S' capture of Maduro

The United States has seized a Russia-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil exports. Moscow has condemned the move as an act of piracy, escalating tensions amid ongoing disputes over global energy flows and sanctions.

U.S. Seizes Russia-Flagged Venezuelan Tanker, Russia Calls the Move an Act of Piracy

Growler Jets: U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets disrupted Venezuela's radar and communications during Operation Absolute Resolve, neutralizing outdated Russian and Chinese air defenses to enable special forces to capture Nicolás Maduro.


Growler Jets: U.S. Gamechanger in Maduro Capture 

U.S.-Venezuela: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared "maximum leverage" over Venezuela's interim authorities post-Maduro capture, dictating decisions via oil control and sanctions.


U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. To Use 'Maximum Leverage' on Venezuela

The US special forces commandeered a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit, drawing a sharp rebuke from Moscow.


US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela

White House asserts maximum leverage over Venezuela's interim government via oil control and sanctions, as Secretary Rubio outlines a structured plan for stability, economic recovery, and political transition.


Rubio: Stability, Recovery, Transition Plan for Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed a phased approach for Venezuela-first stabilizing security, then enabling oil recovery with Western firms and amnesty for opposition, culminating in governmental transition-backed by White House claims of "maximum leverage" through seized oil and sanctions

Rubio: America Not Winging Venezuela Strategy 

During the US military operation to capture the now-ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the EA-18G Growler aircraft played an important role. These advanced planes were key in disrupting Venezuela’s air defense systems, allowing US forces to operate more securely in the country’s airspace.

US Growler Jets Played Key Role in Operation to Capture Maduro 

U.S. forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, previously the Bella-1 and now Marinera, linked to Venezuela's shadow fleet for sanctions evasion. White House officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, warned that the crew faces U.S. prosecution under federal law following a judicial seizure order.

U.S.-Venezuela: Seized Tanker's Crew Faces U.S. Charges, White House Says

U.S. EA‑18G Growler electronic‑warfare jets played a key role in jamming Venezuela’s radar and air‑defence systems during the operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. These specialised aircraft don’t drop bombs — instead they emit powerful electronic signals that overwhelm enemy radar and communications, creating false targets and preventing surface‑to‑air missiles from locking onto incoming aircraft.

How U.S. Growler Jets Played Key Role in Jamming Venezuela's Radars

New Footage Shows US Airstrikes in Venezuela to Capture Maduro

Russia vs US: The Bella 1 oil tanker, carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude, executed a dramatic name change to Marinera and switched registration to Russia on December 31, 2025, after U.S. Coast Guard pursuit near Venezuela, becoming the 17th shadow fleet vessel to seek Moscow's protection in recent weeks amid Trump's "complete blockade" on Maduro-linked energy flows post his January 3 capture.


Russia vs US: Report suggests Russia sends submarine to escort tanker pursued by US 

Carney Says Canadian Oil Competitive Amid Venezuela Output, Backs Greenland Sovereignty

Washington’s dramatic move against Venezuela has largely been framed as a bid to gain control over the country’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. But analysts say the crisis runs deeper than oil. Venezuela is also rich in critical minerals that are essential for modern technology and Defence industries.

Critical Minerals Add New Dimension to Venezuela Crisis

Donald Trump accused Maduro of killing “millions of people” and alleged that Venezuela runs “a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas.”


US-Venezuela: Trump Accuses Venezuela's Maduro of Torture & Mass Killings

Venezuela's government has proclaimed a week of national mourning after the January 3, 2026, U.S. operation "Absolute Resolve" led to Maduro's capture, with Delcy Rodríguez condemning it as imperialist aggression.

Venezuela Declares Week of Mourning After U.S. Military Strike Captures Maduro

Donald Trump’s surprise military operation in Venezuela has ignited a global and domestic debate. Critics argue the timing of Nicolás Maduro’s capture was designed to divert attention from the Epstein files, rising political pressure, and economic concerns ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

Venezuela Boomerang: Oil Wealth Can’t Mask Anger Against Trump, Epstein Files Fallout

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he is “deeply alarmed” over the standoff between the United States and Venezuela in recent months, which culminated on Saturday morning in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces.

Ipsos Polls: 33% Americans Approve US Strikes on Venezuela

Congress leader’s ‘Will Trump kidnap our PM?’ remark draws BJP’s ‘anti-India’ retort

Donald Trump claims the US will “run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, with Stephen Miller emerging as a key figure amid legal and political uncertainty.

Will Stephen Miller 'Run' Venezuela? Trump’s plan raises alarm

Following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, a key Venezuelan opposition leader has strongly criticized Rodriguez, calling for political accountability. The developments highlight ongoing tensions in Venezuela’s political landscape and the struggle between government and opposition forces. Stay updated on the latest news from Caracas and Venezuela’s evolving crisis.

Venezuela Crisis: Rodriguez Faces Opposition Backlash After Maduro’s Capture in Venezuela