Trump Calls for Maduro’s Resignation Amid U.S. Oil Blockade

President Donald Trump stated Monday it would be “smart” for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, as U.S. naval forces intensified a blockade targeting Venezuela’s oil wealth.

The remarks followed Moscow’s declaration of “full support” for Maduro’s government, according to Russian officials who condemned Washington’s military actions in the Caribbean Sea.

When asked by reporters whether U.S. threats were designed to force Maduro from power after 12 years in office, Trump said: “That’s up to him, what he wants to do. I think it would be smart for him to do that.” He added: “If he wants to do something — if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough.”

A diplomatic call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil underscored Moscow’s alignment with Caracas ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. During the conversation, both officials criticized U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats and seizures of two oil tankers, with a third vessel under pursuit. They expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Caribbean Sea that risk international shipping and violate international law.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed Moscow’s support for Venezuela, stating Washington was “not concerned about an escalation with Russia” due to its focus on Ukraine.

The U.S.-led blockade of Venezuelan oil shipments has been active since last week, following Trump’s claim that Caracas uses oil revenues to fund “drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping.” Venezuela countered that U.S. actions constitute “international piracy,” with Maduro warning in a state television address that the blockade would disrupt global energy supplies.

The Russian foreign ministry reaffirmed its “full support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan leadership” amid rising tensions.