Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: Trump Teases ‘Other Things Happening’ After Bold Tanker Seizure
Date: December 11, 2025
Hosts: Ben Ferguson (main speaker/host), with extensive coverage of President Trump’s statements

Overview

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, host Ben Ferguson (without Ted Cruz featured in this particular segment) analyzes the high-profile U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, a move directly announced—and teased with more to come—by former President Donald Trump. The show details the domestic and international ramifications of the action, reactions from officials, and provides commentary on sanctions enforcement, with notable media soundbites and expert analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: U.S. Seizes Massive Oil Tanker

• Announcement: President Trump announces the U.S. seizure of a large crude oil tanker, described as the largest ever confiscated, off the coast of Venezuela.

  • Quote (Trump, 06:34): "We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. Large tanker, very large. Largest one ever seized, actually. And other things are happening. So you'll be seeing that later."

• Significance: The move is framed as a major escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions and a victory for law and order, especially against drug cartels and networks violating U.S. sanctions.

• Details on the Tanker:

  • Name: Skipper (formerly Addisa, Panama-flagged)
  • Accused of transporting illicit Venezuelan and potentially Iranian oil.
  • Destination: Reportedly Cuba.

• Coordination: Operation was a joint effort involving U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, Homeland Security, and Navy support.

2. Geopolitical Implications and Venezuelan Response

• Immediate Reaction:

  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemns the action, calling it "theft" and "international piracy."
  • Venezuela vows to raise the issue in international forums, claiming violation of sovereignty and pursuit of U.S. interests in their resources.

• Impact on Oil Markets:

  • News of the seizure sparks global oil price fluctuations due to increased tension and concerns about supply routes.

3. U.S. Sanctions: Enforcement vs. Symbolism

• Host Commentary (Ben Ferguson):
  • Emphasizes the importance of sanctions only if they are enforced, regardless of which administration enacts them.
    • Quote (Ferguson, 15:11): "What's the point of having, I would say to those on the left, sanctions if you don't actually enforce them?"
  • Praises Trump for confronting "narco terrorists" and claims the action increases national security and deters illegal trafficking.
  • Frames enforcement as bipartisan in legislative legacy, but credits Trump administration for execution.

4. Media and Expert Analysis

• CNN National Security Analyst Beth Sanner (as quoted on the show):

  • Clarifies that tanker seizures are not unprecedented, referencing past Iranian tanker seizures under U.S. law.
    • Quote (Beth Sanner, 10:53): "To me, this is absolutely normal. I mean, seizing an oil tanker... We've been seizing Iranian oil tankers in the past. We also, according to the law that I've read, we can— that oil is up for forfeiture. So we could keep that."
  • Downplays escalation concerns, noting Maduro is unlikely to step aside due to single-seizure actions.

• Fox News Coverage:

  • Describes the operation as dramatic and powerful, with military helicopters landing on the tanker. Confirms the U.S. issued a warrant, alleging the tanker supported foreign terrorist organizations.
    • Quote (Fox, 13:11): "President Trump did not say why, but he did say, 'other things are happening.' The administration has been striking alleged narco terrorist vessels near Venezuela and is putting heavy pressure on disputed president Nicholas Maduro."

• Ben Ferguson's Summation:

  • Touts the operation as a demonstration of U.S. military and law enforcement might, enabled by presidential permission to act decisively.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Donald Trump, teasing further action (06:34):
  "Largest one ever seized, actually. And other things are happening. So you'll be seeing that later."

• On sanctions and enforcement (Ben Ferguson, 15:11):
  "What's the point of having, I would say to those on the left, sanctions if you don't actually enforce them?"

• CNN Analyst Beth Sanner on tanker seizures (10:53):
  "It's absolutely normal... we've kept Iranian oil in the past... this is actually a pretty, you know, check the box case."

• Trump asked about troops in Venezuela (Fox/Coverage, 14:05):
  "Could we see American troops on the ground in Venezuela? I don't comment on that. I wouldn't say that one way or the other."

Important Segment Timestamps

• Trump’s announcement & tease: 06:34–06:46
• Detail on tanker operation & legal rationale: 07:00–08:30
• Media and expert reactions (CNN/Beth Sanner): 10:30–12:00
• Fox News video and coverage description: 13:00–14:16
• Broader implications and host commentary: 14:30–15:30

Conclusion

This episode delivers a deep dive into the Trump-led U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, highlighting both the operational details and the broader geopolitical chess game at play. Through sharp commentary and curated media reactions, Ben Ferguson emphasizes the muscular enforcement of sanctions as critical to U.S. interests and national security—positioning the episode as a celebration of assertive American policy against what he brands as narco-terrorism and rogue regimes.