Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a prime-time “ADDRESS TO THE NATION” from the White House this evening, a broadcast anticipated to outline his plans for the coming year and highlight his perceived successes. This address follows a significant escalation of tensions with Venezuela, initiated by Trump’s call for a comprehensive blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers. The move has coincided with an unprecedented build-up of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean, raising fears of potential direct action against Venezuelan territory.

The directive for a Venezuelan oil blockade, announced by Trump, swiftly impacted global markets. Oil prices surged by over 1.5 per cent on Wednesday following the order, reflecting concerns over potential supply disruptions. Analysts warn that prolonged interruptions could affect exports of approximately 590,000 barrels per day, with the majority destined for China. This economic pressure is coupled with a stern warning from Trump, who stated that the U.S. military presence in the strategic Caribbean region would “only get bigger.”

The planned national address and heightened international tensions unfold amidst Trump’s continued engagement in the political arena, including his ongoing campaign rhetoric for a potential presidential bid. During a recent White House Hanukkah celebration, billionaire Miriam Adelson publicly encouraged Trump to seek an “unprecedented third term,” a sentiment met with chants of “four more years” from the audience. Trump playfully responded, suggesting Adelson had offered “another $250 million” in support, underscoring the significant financial backing he commands.

Domestically, recent polling data indicates potential challenges within Trump’s political base. A survey conducted by the NBC News Decision Desk revealed a decline in support for the former president since April, with approval figures worsening throughout his presidency. The poll highlighted dissatisfaction among both mainstream Republicans and those identifying with the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, suggesting cracks in what was once considered a steadfast foundation of support.

Trump also faces scrutiny over his public image and past actions, including a lawsuit filed against the BBC in Florida. The former president alleges defamation over a news program that, he claims, misleadingly edited parts of a speech to imply he incited the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Proving defamation in the U.S. is notoriously difficult, requiring evidence of malice, and the challenge is compounded by the unlikelihood of the specific BBC documentary having aired widely within the United States.

Further controversies surround the administration’s actions in the Caribbean. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced intense scrutiny regarding “lethal kinetic strikes” on alleged drug boats originating from Venezuela. Reports indicate that a second strike was launched after survivors were discovered clinging to wreckage from an initial attack. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly demanded the release of unedited footage of these operations, questioning the administration’s transparency and the legality of the strikes that have reportedly resulted in 95 fatalities since September.

In a separate political development, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new website designed to track what he terms Trump’s “criminal cronies.” The site details the alleged criminal records, corruption cases, and extremist ties of individuals associated with the former president. Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure, presented this initiative alongside new crime statistics for California, asserting that his state demonstrates “real public safety leadership” in contrast to the political landscape in Washington D.C.

Beyond these high-profile disputes, Trump’s interactions with other prominent political figures continue to draw attention. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch conservative lawmaker, publicly criticized Trump’s comments regarding the death of director Rob Reiner, branding them as “classless” and “below the office of the President of the United States.” These exchanges underscore the evolving dynamics within the Republican party and the broader political discourse surrounding the former president.

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Keywords: Donald Trump, Venezuela oil blockade, National address, US military Caribbean, Oil prices, MAGA support, BBC defamation lawsuit, Pete Hegseth strikes