U.S. President Donald Trump has given the green light for the CIA to carry out covert missions in Venezuela, signaling a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to exert pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s administration. The New York Times was the first to reveal the classified directive, citing knowledgeable U.S. officials who disclosed that the Trump administration’s strategy for Venezuela is centered on ousting Maduro from power. As part of this approach, the administration has offered a reward of $50 million US for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
Trump justified his decision by highlighting the influx of drugs into the United States from Venezuela, with a significant portion being smuggled via sea routes. He emphasized the need to expand operations to the land as maritime control was already effective. Consequently, a substantial military buildup has been initiated in the southern Caribbean, with at least five strikes conducted on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking since early September. These actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 27 individuals.
A video shared by Trump on Truth Social depicted a vessel being struck by a projectile and exploding in a body of water. In response, Venezuela’s foreign ministry condemned Trump’s statements, labeling them as a severe breach of international law and the United Nations’ Charter.
Maduro rejected the notion of “regime change” and refuted Trump’s allegations of Venezuela being a center for fentanyl trafficking, pointing out that U.S. records identify Mexico as the primary source of fentanyl. Trump dismissed the notion of using the Coast Guard to intercept suspected drug boats, criticizing such efforts as ineffective and “politically correct.”
The recent military actions in Venezuela underscore Trump’s unconventional use of U.S. military power, including deploying troops domestically and conducting counterterrorism operations against drug trafficking suspects. The Pentagon informed Congress that the U.S. is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels. Despite heightened tensions, Trump evaded questions regarding the CIA’s authorization to target Maduro directly.
The Trump administration has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million US, accusing him of ties to drug trafficking and criminal organizations, which Maduro vehemently denies. The lack of transparency surrounding the strikes has led to frustration among members of Congress, including Republican lawmakers.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concerns about the administration potentially steering the U.S. towards direct conflict with Venezuela, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in such military actions. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Rand Paul has criticized the strikes, although a recent Senate vote to block them did not secure enough Republican backing.