On December 10, American forces boarded the oil tanker Skipper after it departed from Venezuela's oil port, José, carrying more than 1.8 million barrels of oil that Donald Trump had vowed the U.S. would keep. Trump announced the seizure, claiming it to be the largest of its kind ever. Since then, at least ten oil tankers have been seized that were navigating to and from Venezuela and subject to U.S. sanctions. However, instead of generating new income, these vessels have become a financial trap.

The main issue is that the seized oil cannot be sold without approval from a judge, resulting in costly maintenance of the ships. Maintaining the Skipper alone has cost around $47 million over three months, nearly half a billion Swedish kronor, as revealed in documents reviewed by the New York Times. Officials from the Trump administration cited these financial burdens in a court application filed in Washington, highlighting the economic strain caused by the seized tankers.

As the situation unfolds, the implication is significant not only for U.S.-Venezuelan relations but also for Trump's legacy concerning his administration's hardline approach towards Venezuela. The ongoing financial issues tied to these oil tankers may challenge the perceived success of such policies, raising questions about the efficacy of sanctions and the enforcement strategies employed during his presidency.