Viewers of ABC World News Tonight expressed their dissatisfaction after anchor Rachel Scott reported significant breaking news while regular host David Muir was on his customary weekend break. During the broadcast, Scott addressed urgent developments involving escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
US Coast Guard Pursues Venezuelan Tankers
Scott opened the segment by informing viewers of the ongoing situation in the Caribbean Sea, stating, “The US Coast Guard is pursuing a third tanker off the Venezuelan coast. It’s the third in the last 10 days.” The situation has escalated, with Venezuela characterizing the actions as “theft and hijacking.” Following her introduction, senior White House correspondent Selina Wang provided further details on the tense scenario.
Wang reported that “rising tensions with Venezuela” have resulted from the US actively pursuing a sanctioned vessel attempting to evade sanctions in the Caribbean. A US official informed ABC News that the Coast Guard is trying to intercept a ship identified as part of Venezuela’s “illegal sanctions evasion,” which is allegedly “flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.”
The report highlighted a recent operation where an elite Coast Guard tactical team seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, a method previously employed just ten days prior when American forces rappelled from helicopters to regain control of another vessel. Venezuela has responded with strong condemnation, labeling the seizures as acts of piracy.
Political Implications and Viewer Reactions
Wang further noted that last week, President Donald Trump threatened a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, a measure that could significantly impact the Venezuelan economy. The Pentagon has also targeted 28 alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 100 fatalities without public disclosure of the victims’ identities.
The Trump administration insists that its actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking and enforcing sanctions, but some Republican lawmakers are openly advocating for regime change in Venezuela. Wang concluded her report by mentioning that Trump has warned of potential land strikes against drug traffickers inside Venezuela, stating he does not rule out the possibility of war. This has prompted lawmakers to seek clarity on the administration’s ultimate objectives in the region.
The segment was shared on the show’s Instagram account, describing the US Coast Guard’s pursuit of a sanctioned vessel as part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. Viewers took to social media to voice their concerns, with comments ranging from questioning the US’s actions to labeling them as piracy.
One viewer remarked, “Why are we becoming that kid everyone hated in the seventh grade,” while another questioned, “Why are they allowing this to continue… they are not in US waters?” Others expressed their frustrations, with one demanding, “Stop it. Leave them folks alone,” and another observing the contradiction in political rhetoric regarding peace and war.
The audience’s reactions reflect a growing unease about the US’s foreign policy approach towards Venezuela and the potential consequences of continued military engagement in the region.
