US senators blast Trump over seizure of Venezuelan tanker

Criticism came from both sides — Democratic and Republican senators. In particular, Republican Senator Rand Paul likened the US actions to a declaration of war against Venezuela.

"It sounds a lot like the beginning of a war," Paul said. "It is not the job of the American government to go looking for monsters around the world, looking for adversaries and beginning wars," he added.

Democratic senators also expressed concern about the Trump administration's actions, noting that they could only heighten tensions between the two countries.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons said that all details of the incident had not yet been disclosed, but he was "gravely concerned that Trump is sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela."

Coons added that there had been no detailed briefing for senators on the administration's plans regarding a potential war with Venezuela, which is typically held in such cases. The White House also did not inform senators about its next steps, risk-management measures, or anything else, not to mention its reluctance to provide details of the tanker incident.

On the evening of December 10, 2025, US forces intercepted and took control of an oil tanker under sanctions near the coast of Venezuela.

Later that same day, US President Donald Trump confirmed in remarks to the media that American forces had seized the Venezuelan tanker. He announced that new actions against Venezuela would follow soon.

At the same time, Trump went as far as threatening Colombia with a military operation, suggesting an expansion of military actions after Venezuela, and warning of possible consequences for the country. His actions caused serious concern and anger among senators and members of Congress, who had not been informed of the White House's plans.