As Venezuelans go hungry, Trump targets food corruption

24/9/2018 12:09

        At a recent closed door meeting, U.S. Treasury Department officials distributed a list of suspected shell companies that they believe senior Venezuelan officials have used around the globe to siphon off millions of dollars from food import contracts amid widespread starvation in the oil-rich nation. It is part of a sustained campaign by the Trump administration to pressure President Nicolas Maduro by striking at the wallets of his country's top officials. Since Donald Trump became president, dozens of senior Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself, have been sanctioned by the U.S. over allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and drug trafficking. Last year, Trump even threatened a "military option" to remove Maduro. As Venezuela's economic troubles mount, Trump is seeking to rally regional pressure as well.