Day 330
December 15, 2025
7 documented events
- War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Military Overreach
Naval blockade of Venezuela announced
President Trump announces a 'TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE' of Venezuelan oil tankers. The US Navy begins seizing vessels. UN experts condemn the blockade as a violation of international law. A blockade is traditionally considered an act of war.
From: Operation Absolute Resolve: Unilateral US Military Intervention in Venezuela
- Serious Rights Violation Military Overreach
Naval Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Exports
The Trump administration imposed a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers in December 2025, seizing vessels near the coast. UN experts declared it violated 'fundamental rules of international law,' characterizing it as an act of war conducted without Congressional authorization or UN Security Council mandate.
- War Crime / Crime Against Humanity Extrajudicial Killing
Death toll reaches at least 95 across 26+ strikes
Cumulative reporting establishes at least 26 strikes and 95 deaths. Lawfare and Human Rights Watch publish analyses concluding the strikes constitute crimes against humanity and extrajudicial killings.
From: Operation Southern Spear: Lethal Drone Strikes on Caribbean and Pacific Drug Boats
- Serious Rights Violation Deportation & Immigration
Deported Purple Heart veteran confronts DHS Secretary Noem
Jose Barco, deported the previous month, confronted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at a congressional hearing about the deportation of veterans who served in combat.
- Serious Rights Violation Press Freedom
Federal judge rules Lake's appointment illegal, voids layoffs
D.C. federal judge Royce Lamberth rules that Kari Lake had illegally served as Acting CEO of USAGM. The court declares that all actions taken by Lake since March 2025 are legally void and orders the agency to bring back hundreds of employees who had been on leave or fired.
- Major Abuse of Power Corruption & Self-Dealing
Rep. Henry Cuellar pardoned for bribery
Trump pardons Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, who was indicted in 2024 for bribery. The pardon demonstrates the bipartisan nature of corruption clemency when it serves the administration's interests.
- Major Abuse of Power Rule of Law
Ninth Circuit hears appeal
Attorneys for the Trump administration argue before a three-judge panel at the Ninth Circuit to lift the injunction blocking sanctuary city funding cuts.
From: Punishing Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Federal Funding Cutoffs and Lawsuits Against 29 States