Trump says would be 'smart' for Venezuela's Maduro to step downWASHINGTON, United States, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Monday it would be "smart" for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, as US naval forces pressed a blockade on the South American country's oil wealth. Venezuela's key ally Moscow, however, expressed its "full support" for Maduro's government, as Washington has dialed up military operations and threats against Caracas. Firing back just hours later, Maduro said that Trump would be "better off" if he focused on his own country's problems rather than threatening Caracas. US President Trump on December 16 also announced a blockade of "sanctioned oil vessels" sailing to and from Venezuela. Trump claims Caracas under Maduro is using oil money to finance "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping."

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha December 23, 2025 09:24 UTC