U.S. Seizure of the Skipper Oil Tanker in the Caribbean: The Numerous Holes in Trump’s Line of Reasoning

The U.S.’s seizure of the oil tanker the Skipper in the Caribbean is just one more example of the inconsistencies, lies and ludicrous claims that characterize Trump’s justification for his actions against Venezuela. As Representative Gregory Meeks (NY), a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee pointed out, the seizure clearly demonstrates that the bombing of the 42 boats by the Southern Command has nothing to do with drug trafficking. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt describes the Skipper’s shipment as “black market oil” but that’s only because the U.S. sanctions don’t give Venezuela any alternative to export its oil. It’s like a judge who sentences a man to stop breathing and then when the man grasps for breath the judge declares he’s breaking the law. 

Simultaneously, Trump sanctioned 6 more shipping companies that transport Venezuelan oil. The groundwork is being laid for more seizures. The Financial Times now states “fifty-five sanctions-hit tankers have participated in Venezuelan oil trades in the last year.” Why doesn’t the Turmp administration just come out and say it? The U.S. is blockading Venezuela.

On the other hand, the Trump administration states that it’s the Skipper company that is being targeted because it allegedly finances terrorist groups, specifically Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. But the oil belongs to Venezuela, not the Skipper. According to that logic, the U.S. should return the oil to Venezuela. Not likely to happen.