John Fetterman Defends Trump's Blockade On Venezuelan Tankers: 'Funds That Support Regimes Like Iran'

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman defended President Donald Trump's naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela's coast, saying the asset "will support Iran" and its proceeds will be used to fund "terrorism."

Speaking to Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, Fetterman said Trump justified the decision claiming that "Iran is involved on that, and Russia is involved on that, and China as well too."

"That's sanctioned oil right now and those are the kinds of funds that support regimes like Iran. It's not a plan for a land war and invade Venezuela but seizing those kinds of oil tankers, it's undeniable that's oil that will support Iran and funds are used on terrorism. For me it makes a lot of sense," he added.

Trump announced on Monday the measure in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying the U.S. has designated the Venezuelan authoritarian government as a foreign terrorist organization and ordered a "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers.

He claimed the Maduro government uses oil revenues to finance narcotrafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, murder and kidnapping, and said U.S. naval pressure in the Caribbean would continue until Venezuela "returns" oil, land and other assets he said were stolen from the United States.

In contrast with Fetterman, other Democrats have criticized the move. Among them was Rep. Joaquin Castro, who said the announcement was "unquestionably an act of war" and defended his initiative to end hostilities with the South American country.

In a social media publication, Castro said the act is a "war that the Congress never authorized and the American people do not want."

He went on to note that the House is set to vote on Thursday on a resolution to end hostilities with the South American country, which he introduced along with fellow Democrat Jim McGovern and Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie.

"Every member of the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to decide if they support sending Americans into yet another regime change war," he added.