Trump presses Venezuela to repay seized US oil assets

Trump Escalates Oil Dispute, Urges Caracas to Pay for Expropriated U.S. Assets

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Summary: Trump demands Venezuela compensate US oil companies, backing claims with renewed blockade warnings.

Former US President Donald Trump has once again turned up the pressure on Venezuela, asking the country to pay American oil companies for assets seized years ago. His remarks come alongside renewed threats of a blockade targeting Venezuelan oil shipments.

Trump said Venezuela owes billions of dollars to US firms whose oil assets were nationalised by the government. He referred to international arbitration rulings that had gone in favour of American companies and insisted that compensation must be paid.

Earlier, Trump had spoken about blocking Venezuelan oil tankers, a move that could further isolate the country’s already struggling energy sector. While no detailed plan has been shared, the warning alone has raised concerns among shipping operators and energy markets.

Venezuela strongly rejected Trump’s statements, calling them hostile and unlawful. The administration claimed that the US was weakening the nation and meddling in its domestic affairs by applying economic pressure. Caracas has also approached the United Nations, seeking international support against what it described as aggressive actions.

Global responses have been cautious. Some states are concerned that these harsh actions, like blockades, might worsen regional tensions and disrupt oil supply. Experts warn that Venezuela's oil sector, which has already been impacted by sanctions, may face more problems if restrictions are tightened.