Trump warns it’s ‘smart’ for Maduro to step down as US chokes oil exports

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00:00This morning, pressure on Venezuela is intensifying, militarily, economically, and now diplomatically.

00:09President Trump is doubling down on his warnings to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro,

00:14saying it would be smart for him to step aside, and insisting there will be consequences if he does not.

00:20We have a massive armada formed, the biggest we've ever had,

00:25and by far the biggest we've ever had in South America.

00:31He can do whatever he wants, whatever he wants to do.

00:34If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough.

00:40There is new reporting this morning that buildup is already underway.

00:43The Wall Street Journal reports the United States has moved special operations, aircraft, troops, and military equipment into the Caribbean,

00:51including Osprey aircraft and cargo planes carrying personnel and gear.

00:56The moves give Washington more options as pressure on Maduro intensifies.

01:01Those words now backstopped by action.

01:03The U.S. has launched a sweeping crackdown on Venezuelan oil tankers,

01:07seizing ships, intercepting others, and effectively choking off the country's main source of cash.

01:13According to the New York Times, the tanker blockade has paralyzed Venezuela's oil exports.

01:18Ports are backed up with crude nobody wants to move.

01:22Ship owners are canceling contracts.

01:24Tankers are turning around mid-voyage or sitting idle in Venezuelan waters.

01:29Tuesday at the United Nations, the U.S. made clear the pressure campaign is only tightening.

01:34The United States will impose and enforce sanctions to the maximum extent

01:40to deprive Maduro of the resources he uses to fund Cartel de los Soles.

01:47Maduro's ability to sell Venezuela's oil enables his fraudulent claim to power and his narco-terrorist activities.

01:58The people of Venezuela, frankly, deserve better.

02:03Washington says the cutting of that oil money cuts off cartel financing, a claim Maduro flatly rejects.

02:10Venezuela is now escorting tankers with gunboats and weighing putting armed guards on ships headed for China.

02:16With U.S. warships positioned nearby and oil exports grinding to a halt,

02:21analysts say Maduro's options are shrinking fast.