Trump Orders Venezuela Oil Tanker Blockade, Designates Maduro Regime as Terrorist Group

• President Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers in/out of Venezuela, escalating pressure on Nicolas Maduro's regime.
• Trump designated Maduro's government a "FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," accusing it of financing illicit activities with oil.
• The US has increased military presence, seized a tanker (The Skipper), and conducted strikes against drug-trafficking vessels in the region.
• Venezuela's economy is severely strained by US sanctions, with inflation expected to hit 400% by year-end.
• Maduro has rallied citizens against perceived US threats, while the White House aims to pressure him until he "cries uncle."

Why It Matters: Trump escalates Venezuela pressure with oil blockade and terror designation, impacting oil markets.