White House aide accuses Venezuela of stealing US oil wealth for terrorism

A top White House advisor has escalated rhetorical hostilities with Venezuela, publicly accusing the South American nation of stealing American oil industry assets to finance terrorism. Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor, made the inflammatory claims on social media amid a continuing US military and economic pressure campaign.

Allegations of 'theft' and funding for illicit activities

In a post on the platform X, Miller asserted that "American efforts created Venezuela's oil industry" and labeled the nationalization of oil assets under the late President Hugo Chávez as the "largest recorded theft of American wealth and property." He further alleged, "These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs." The comments represent a significant hardening of the administration's public justification for its aggressive stance toward the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Context of blockade and military strikes

Miller's accusations followed President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. This policy builds upon months of military actions, including at least 25 US strikes on suspected "narco-terrorist" vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific since September, which have reportedly killed 95 people. The confrontation intensified earlier this month when US forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, an act Caracas denounced as "international piracy."

Venezuelan response and regional alarm

Venezuela has consistently condemned US actions as violations of international law and sovereignty. President Maduro has warned that the escalating pressure risks creating a "new Vietnam." The situation is monitored with deep concern by nations advocating for diplomacy and respect for international law. Countries like Türkiye emphasize the necessity of peaceful dialogue and oppose unilateral coercive measures that exacerbate humanitarian crises and regional instability, calling for a return to negotiated solutions.