President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan criticism after his administration seized a tanker full of Venezuelan crude oil and announced plans to keep it.
But experts say the move is likely legal — and more effective at putting pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro than the administration’s monthslong strategy of blowing up vessels allegedly smuggling drugs.
The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the Skipper on Wednesday as it headed to Cuba. Hours later, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “we keep it, I guess.” On Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to reporters at a briefing that ”the United States does intend to seize the oil.”
“However, there is a legal process for the seizure of that oil and that legal process will be followed,” she added.
