President Trump said the United States wanted to reclaim expropriated oil assets, setting off a nationalist reaction in a country where the resource holds a mythical status.

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly defeated two resolutions on Wednesday seeking to rein in President Donald Trump's aggression toward Venezuela, amid widespread speculation that the Republican will launch an attack on the South American oil state's territory.

The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

WASHINGTON (AP) — El presidente Donald Trump exigió el miércoles que Venezuela devuelva los activos que incautó a compañías petroleras de Estados Unidos hace años, justificando nuevamente su anuncio de un “bloqueo” contra los buques con crudo que viajan hacia o desde el país sudamericano y enfrentan sanciones estadounidenses.

The move is an escalation of military operations and a pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader. But its scope and economic impact are not clear.

President Donald Trump will deliver remarks to the nation tonight. The White House said his speech will highlight the administration’s actions during the past year and tease priorities for 2026. Follow for live updates.

A new Quinnipiac University poll found widespread opposition to U.S. military action inside Venezuela—just 25 percent of respondents said they would support such action, compared to 63 percent of respondents who said they would be opposed.