Maduro Offers Trump Unsolicited Life Advice: Focus on U.S. Problems

(MENAFN) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivered a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump on Monday, advising the American leader to address his own nation's challenges as diplomatic friction intensified over Washington's confiscation of Venezuelan crude oil vessels and aggressive sanctions enforcement.

During a public address in Caracas, Maduro condemned US intervention in Venezuelan petroleum shipments and Trump's increasingly hostile rhetoric toward his government, insisting the US president should redirect attention to domestic concerns.

"I think President Trump should focus on the problems in his own country. If he concentrated on economic and social matters, his relations with the world would improve," Maduro stated.

The Venezuelan leader added that Trump dedicates excessive attention to Venezuela and indicated he would repeat this counsel if given another opportunity for direct dialogue. Characterizing the assault on Venezuelan oil commerce as a trial of national fortitude, he declared: "We will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger as a sovereign nation."

Maduro also attempted to reassure global business partners, emphasizing Venezuela's commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations despite punitive sanctions. He highlighted that agreements with US energy giant Chevron, which maintains operations in Venezuela under a restrictive US license permitting production with compensation structured as in-kind oil deliveries, continue to be honored completely.

"We are serious and honorable people," Maduro asserted.

His comments followed Trump's statements at a Mar-a-Lago press conference Monday, where journalists pressed him on his threats against Venezuela. "Why should they take your threat seriously? What's your endgame?" a reporter questioned.

"There's no answer. He can do whatever he wants. We have a massive [force] ever formed and by far the biggest we ever had in North America. Whatever he wants to do, if he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it will be the last time he ever plays tough," Trump responded.

During the identical briefing, Trump confirmed US forces had captured Venezuelan oil cargo, referencing the seizure of approximately 1.9 million barrels on December 10 and ongoing pursuit of an additional tanker.

"We are going to keep it... Maybe strategic reserves. We are keeping it. We are keeping the ships also," Trump said, adding regarding the second vessel: "We will get it because it came out of Venezuela. And it was sanctioned."

Trump further alleged Venezuela exported criminals and narcotics traffickers during periods of relaxed border controls and claimed US operations had slashed maritime drug trafficking by over 96 percent.

By late December, US military forces had captured or intercepted no fewer than three sanctioned or Venezuela-connected oil tankers, severely disrupting the nation's export capacity.

Global petroleum markets have displayed minimal response to the confrontation. Brent crude was hovering near $62 per barrel as of December 23, reflecting widespread international oversupply conditions.

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