Trump warns Maduro not to ‘play tough’ as Russia, China back Venezuela

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 75% complete by By News AgenciesDecember 23, 2025 at 02:43 AM
Trump warns Maduro not to ‘play tough’ as Russia, China back Venezuela

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump warned Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro against "playing tough," suggesting it would be wise for him to step down amidst escalating US pressure. Trump's statement, made at his Mar-a-Lago resort, comes as the US Coast Guard pursues a third oil tanker allegedly used by Venezuela to evade US sanctions. The US has already seized two tankers and their oil cargo, potentially for sale or strategic reserve use. Maduro responded by advising Trump to focus on US domestic issues instead of threatening Venezuela. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of growing US military presence in the region, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, and with Russia and China voicing support for Venezuela.

Keywords

venezuela 100% nicolas maduro 90% donald trump 90% us sanctions 70% oil tanker 70% us coast guard 60% china 50% pressure campaign 50% russia 50% strategic reserves 40%

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Al Jazeera
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