The Venezuelan government has accused former President Donald Trump of making a “colonial threat” and attempting to undermine the nation’s sovereignty. This accusation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The White House has not commented on Trump’s recent statements on his Truth Social platform. It remains unclear whether his remarks signal a new policy direction or are simply a reiteration of his administration’s previous stance against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump’s campaign against Maduro has included multiple naval operations targeting small boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, alongside an increased naval presence in the area.
Calls for increased oversight of U.S. military actions in the region have emerged from both sides of the political aisle. This follows a report by The Washington Post alleging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed during a September 2nd operation targeting suspected drug smugglers.
In response, Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with the committee’s top Democrat, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, released a joint statement on Friday. They assured the public that the committee “will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”
Trump’s advisors have been considering various approaches to Venezuela, including both military and non-military strategies, with the possibility of covert CIA action also on the table.
Trump’s team has weighed both military and nonmilitary options with Venezuela, including covert action by the CIA.
Trump has publicly floated the idea of talking to Maduro.
The New York Times reported on Friday that Trump and Maduro had spoken.
The White House declined to answer questions about the conversation.
