Washington, D.C. – In a surprising bipartisan twist, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman became the first Democrat to endorse President Donald Trump’s plan for a total blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, calling the move “a lot of sense” amid escalating tensions with the Maduro regime. Fetterman’s support, voiced during a podcast interview on December 18, 2025, marks a rare cross-aisle alignment on foreign policy in an otherwise polarized Congress.
Trump’s directive, issued earlier this month, authorizes the U.S. Navy to intercept and seize sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments, aiming to cut off funding for what the administration labels a “terrorist organization” under Nicolas Maduro. The blockade, described by Trump as surrounding Venezuela with “the largest military force ever assembled,” targets tankers allegedly funneling resources to adversaries like Iran. Fetterman, known for bucking party lines on issues like Israel and fracking, praised the strategy for its potential to disrupt illicit oil flows supporting hostile regimes. “Tough action like this is needed to protect our interests,” he said, emphasizing the blockade’s role in curbing global threats.
The endorsement drew swift backlash from Democratic colleagues. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned it as “reckless escalation,” warning of humanitarian fallout in Venezuela and heightened risks for U.S. forces. Progressive groups accused Fetterman of abandoning core values, while Republicans like Sen. Marco Rubio welcomed the support, calling it “a sign Democrats are waking up to reality.” Venezuelan officials decried the plan as “imperialist aggression,” vowing retaliation through OPEC allies.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, Fetterman’s move highlights fractures within the Democratic Party and potential for unlikely coalitions on national security. With oil prices volatile and midterms looming, the blockade could reshape U.S.-Latin America relations—or ignite a diplomatic firestorm.
