In a significant escalation of pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has announced a new round of sanctions targeting key members of his inner circle. The Treasury Department unveiled sanctions on seven family members tied to Maduro’s regime, as well as two government officials, in an effort to dismantle corrupt networks supporting the South American socialist dictator.
According to The Hill, the sanctions specifically target relatives of Maduro’s nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, and family members of Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero. This move is part of the ongoing pressure campaign against Maduro, who has faced international condemnation for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.
The Washington Times reported that President Trump has been ramping up efforts to remove Maduro from power, viewing him as a destabilizing force in the region. By targeting individuals close to Maduro, the administration aims to weaken his grip on power and force him to step down.
Fox News highlighted that the sanctions are part of a broader crackdown on what the Trump administration has labeled a “narco-state” in Venezuela. By targeting key figures within Maduro’s inner circle, the administration hopes to disrupt the illicit activities that have propped up his regime.
The move comes amidst growing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the Trump administration taking a hardline stance against Maduro’s government. The sanctions are seen as a strategic maneuver to increase pressure on the Venezuelan leader and push for a democratic transition in the country.
In response to the sanctions, Maduro’s government has condemned the U.S. for its interference in Venezuelan affairs, labeling the measures as unjust and politically motivated. The impact of the sanctions on the Maduro regime remains to be seen, but they are likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
Overall, the Trump administration’s decision to target Maduro’s inner circle with fresh sanctions underscores its commitment to promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela. By taking aim at key figures supporting the regime, the U.S. hopes to accelerate Maduro’s downfall and pave the way for a more stable and democratic future for the Venezuelan people.
Political Bias Index: Red (Conservative)
References:
1. Becca Lower, “Trump Oval Office Address Touts Administration’s Domestic Wins, Announces Christmas Bonus for Troops,” RedState, [https://redstate.com/beccalower/2025/12/17/trump-address-americans-n2197236]
2. Laura Kelly, “Trump administration announces fresh sanctions on Maduro’s extended family members,” The Hill, [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5657352-venezuela-sanctions-trump-administration/]
3. Stephen Dinan, “Trump ramps up pressure on Maduro with sanctions on family members,” The Washington Times, [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/19/trump-ramps-pressure-maduro-sanctions-family-members/]
4. Adam Shaw, “Trump administration targets Maduro’s inner circle, family in major narco-state crackdown,” Fox News, [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-administration-targets-maduros-inner-circle-family-major-narco-state-crackdown]
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