Donald Trump and his top advisers have not ruled out war with Venezuela. Trump told NBC News, “I don’t rule it out, no.” This came as Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro ordered his navy to escort oil tankers that defy the largest US fleet in the region in decades. US Senator Marco Rubio reinforced this stance, saying at a state department press conference, "We reserve the right, and have the right, to utilise every element of national power to defend the national interest of the United States." Rubio added, “We just simply have more power than some of them.” Recently, a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker was seized. This has shaken the “dark fleet” that carries oil from Venezuela. Industry data shared with the Guardian shows many of over 30 sanctioned tankers now hide in the Indian Ocean to dodge the US Navy. Analysis by Windward AI reveals vessels reroute to avoid US forces. Out of 59 “high-risk vessels”, many are stuck in a blockade or faking locations. Rubio admitted the US wants regime change: “It is clear that the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States.” Experts say the blockade pressures Maduro by cutting off oil revenue from sales to China. Jason Marczak of the Atlantic Council remarked, “The blockage ... provides an additional chip to put on the table in discussions on ending Maduro’s dictatorship in Venezuela.” Trump has about 15,000 troops near Venezuela. His military actions in the Caribbean and Pacific have killed over 100 people. Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff, told Vanity Fair that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.” Trump also hinted at more oil tanker seizures. The tanker Skipper was seized carrying roughly 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude heading to China. Maduro condemned the seizure as “piracy” and blamed Trinidad and Tobago’s government, which recently allowed US military use of its airports. Inside the White House, aides like Stephen Miller and Rubio push for tougher measures. Rubio called the Venezuelan regime “illegitimate” and accused it of cooperating with Iran, Hezbollah, and drug organizations. The US campaign now targets not just drugs but also cuts Maduro’s finances, raising the chance of direct action to remove him.