Trump Keeps War with Venezuela on the Table Amid Blockade, Strikes and New Economic Moves

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on NBC News have reignited debate over the United States’ involvement in the Venezuelan crisis.

Trump’s Stark Admission

During a phone interview Thursday, Trump told NBC News, “I don’t rule it out, no.” The statement follows a series of aggressive actions by the administration, including a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and the seizure of a tanker captured near Venezuela. Trump’s comment signals that a military confrontation remains a possibility, even as he has repeatedly denied any intention to start a war.

Escalating Military Pressure

The administration’s campaign against Venezuela has already resulted in 28 boat strikes that have killed more than 100 people. One of these strikes, described as a “double tap” attack, is now facing congressional scrutiny. On Tuesday, Trump ordered a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers, further tightening the U.S. grip on Venezuela’s oil exports.

When asked whether such actions could lead to war, Trump initially said, “I don’t discuss it.” However, when pressed, he confirmed the possibility and added that additional seizures of oil tankers would continue. Asked for a timeline, he replied, “It depends. If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbors.”

He also declined to say whether ousting President Nicolás Maduro is his ultimate goal, instead stating, “He knows exactly what I want. He knows better than anybody.” Trump’s admission that he is not ruling out war is significant, especially given his 2024 campaign promise to keep the U.S. out of foreign conflicts.

Economic Moves: The Warrior Dividend

In a national prime‑time address on Wednesday, Trump defended his economic policies and announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” that will be paid to nearly 1.5 million members of the military in honor of the nation’s founding almost 250 years ago. Trump told NBC News that the payments would begin “very soon,” adding, “I would say within the next few days, it’ll all be out.” He said the dividend would be funded through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and revenue from tariffs.

A senior administration official explained that the one‑time bonus for troops will cost about $2.6 billion and will be paid from military housing funds allocated by the One Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation, signed in July, had allocated $2.9 billion to reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost for service members for two years. A Senate appropriations source confirmed that the money would come from that bill, not tariffs, and that the Defense Department decided to give the money as a one‑time payment instead of creating a precedent for future housing costs.

Health‑Care Remarks

Trump also addressed health care during his Wednesday remarks, criticizing large insurance companies. He said, “People should be able to buy their own health insurance, which will give far better benefits at much lower cost. It will be far better health insurance.” He noted that millions of people who receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act will see their premiums rise next year after House Republicans refused to call a vote to extend subsidies.

Trump dismissed the need to repeal the Affordable Care Act, stating, “I don’t have to do anything, because Obamacare would just repeal itself automatically because nobody’s going to want to use it. Too expensive.” He added that he has no plans to announce a broader health‑care plan, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, I rolled out last night. It’s very simple. It’s a very simple plan. The insurance companies have become totally rich and beyond any comprehension. They get billions and billions of dollars a year, and we’re not going to let that happen.”

He continued, “We’re going to pay the money directly to the people. They can use health‑care accounts. They can use — you know, there are many ways of doing it, but we’re going to let them buy their own health care. They’ll get much better health care at a much lower price.”

Mid‑Term Elections and Congressional Outlook

A central focus for both parties next year will be November’s mid‑term elections, with Republicans aware that losing control of either chamber could lead to investigations and other challenges for the White House. When asked whether he believes Republicans will retain both chambers, Trump replied, “I think so. I certainly hope so.”

Key Takeaways

• Trump confirms that a war with Venezuela remains a possibility, even as he has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers.
• The administration’s campaign has already caused 28 strikes that killed over 100 people, including a “double tap” attack under congressional review.
• Trump announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” for military members, to be funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill and tariff revenue.
• He criticized large insurance companies, defended the Affordable Care Act’s continuity, and said he has no plans for a new health‑care plan.
• Republicans hope to keep both chambers of Congress after the upcoming mid‑term elections.

The administration’s aggressive stance toward Venezuela, coupled with its domestic policy announcements, sets the stage for a tense political season as the nation heads toward the mid‑term elections.