A History of Tension Between the United States and Venezuela
The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has been marked by a series of escalating tensions, beginning with the imposition of sanctions in 2006. This history reflects a complex interplay of political, economic, and military actions that have shaped the two nations’ interactions over the years.
2006: The First Sanctions
The initial sanctions were imposed by the United States under President George W. Bush, targeting the sale of weapons and US-made military equipment to Venezuela. This move came in response to what Washington perceived as a lack of cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The tension between the two countries had already begun to rise following the 1999 election of Hugo Chavez, a leftist leader known for his anti-American rhetoric and policies.
By 2010, diplomatic relations had deteriorated to the point where neither country maintained an ambassador in the other’s capital. This marked a significant shift in their bilateral relationship, signaling a deepening rift.
2014: Accusations of Human Rights Violations
After the death of Hugo Chavez in 2013, Nicolas Maduro took over as president. In late 2014 and early 2015, the Obama administration imposed sanctions on several top Venezuelan officials, freezing their US assets and banning visas. These actions were in response to allegations of human rights violations during violent crackdowns on protests against Maduro’s government.
2017: Trump’s Military Option
During the Trump administration, the situation escalated further. In 2017, financial sanctions were imposed on key figures, including members of the supreme court, for undermining parliamentary power. The legislative body had been controlled by the opposition since 2015. When Maduro created a Constituent Assembly to override parliament, Washington responded with sanctions, freezing his assets in the US. Trump also introduced the concept of a “military option” in Venezuela, a threat he would revisit in subsequent years.
2019: Toughened Sanctions
Following Maduro’s re-election, which was widely regarded as illegitimate, Trump intensified economic sanctions in 2019 with the goal of destabilizing the country and removing Maduro from power. Diplomatic relations were severed when the US, along with many other countries, recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. However, Guaido’s self-proclaimed government was dissolved in 2023.
Washington also imposed sanctions on PDVSA and Venezuela’s central bank, further isolating the country economically.
2019: Oil Embargo
In April 2019, the US implemented an oil embargo on Venezuela, freezing all Venezuelan government assets in the US. This measure was slightly relaxed in 2023 due to a shortage of Russian crude after the invasion of Ukraine. However, it was reinstated when Washington claimed that Maduro was not fulfilling his commitment to hold a fair presidential election in 2024. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who later became a Nobel Peace laureate, was declared ineligible.
In early 2025, Trump halted oil licenses that allowed multinationals to operate in Venezuela despite the sanctions. Although Chevron was permitted to resume operations in July, it could no longer provide funds to the Venezuelan government.
2020: Bounty for Maduro
In 2020, Maduro and several of his associates were charged in the US with “narco-terrorism,” with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. This was increased to $50 million in August 2025. Washington accused Maduro of leading the “Cartel of the Suns,” although its existence remains unproven according to experts.
2025: Airstrikes and Escalation
August 2025 saw a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, with deadly airstrikes targeting boats suspected of being used by drug traffickers. Caracas accused Washington of being behind the influx of drugs into the US. On December 10, the US seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, prompting accusations of international piracy.
On December 29, Trump announced that US forces had attacked and destroyed a docking area on Venezuela’s coast, marking the first known land strike in the military campaign.
2026: Caracas Attacked, Maduro Captured
On January 3, the US launched a series of airstrikes on and around Caracas. Trump declared that his military had captured Maduro and his wife, flying them out of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government condemned the action as an “extremely serious military aggression” and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.