The RecordExhibit 68
Seizing oil tankers: 'We keep it, I guess'
Pending means: In court or under criminal investigation right now.
U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker at sea, and days later Trump ordered a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned tankers going in or out of Venezuela.
What happened
Asked what would happen to the oil, Trump said, 'Well, we keep it, I guess.' Venezuela called it international piracy. Rep. Joaquin Castro called it a war Congress never authorized.
Where it stands
In February 2026 the Justice Department filed a complaint in federal court in Washington to take permanent ownership of the first seized tanker, the Skipper, and nearly 2 million barrels of oil. A judge must sign off before the oil can be sold. It was the first such complaint for any of at least 10 tankers intercepted since late 2025.
The administration's side
Trump said Venezuela stole U.S. oil, land and assets and uses oil money to fund drug terrorism. Officials said the seizure enforced sanctions under law enforcement authority. The Justice Department says the Skipper moved oil from Iran and Venezuela under false flags and provided revenue to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/tankers/