Trump to Make Announcement with War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy Amid Escalating Venezuela Tensions
President Trump addresses the nation on December 17, 2025
President Trump is scheduled to make an announcement at 4:30 p.m. ET alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions with Venezuela, as the Trump administration continues aggressive operations targeting drug smuggling networks in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Those operations have resulted in the deaths of more than 100 suspected narcoterrorists. At the same time, the administration is enforcing an oil embargo on Venezuela and actively interdicting oil shipments.
U.S. forces have seized two Venezuelan oil tankers since December 10 and attempted to seize a third over the weekend. During that incident, the U.S. Coast Guard tried to board the Bella 1, a tanker linked to Iran and operating under sanctions. The vessel fled, prompting what U.S. officials described as an active pursuit of a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” involved in Venezuela’s efforts to evade international sanctions.
President Trump’s announcement is expected to focus on shipbuilding and naval expansion. It will take place at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, against the backdrop of a significant U.S. naval buildup in the Caribbean as pressure increases on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, particularly through efforts to restrict oil revenues.
The Navy recently announced plans to commission a new class of U.S.-built frigates as part of what the administration has dubbed the “Golden Fleet.” The ships are intended to protect sea lanes, escort larger vessels, and strengthen U.S. capabilities in response to growing competition from China.
Meanwhile, media commentator Tucker Carlson has claimed that members of Congress were recently briefed on the possibility of an impending conflict with Venezuela. He emphasized, however, that such reports remain unconfirmed and should be treated cautiously.
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