Trump signs off on possible CIA operations in Venezuela: report
In a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela, President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within the country, as reported by the New York Times. This decision comes on the heels of the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean, indicating a potential preparation for a broader military engagement. The operations are reportedly intended to undermine the regime of President Nicolás Maduro, whose government has been the subject of increasing scrutiny and condemnation from the Trump administration. Despite backchannel negotiations, which included an offer from Maduro to step down after a couple of years, the U.S. has deemed these discussions unproductive.
The urgency of this covert action is underscored by Trump’s recent comments labeling Maduro a “terrorist,” and suggesting that he does not rule out the deployment of U.S. troops to Venezuela. During a press conference, Trump emphasized the need to address the crisis in Venezuela, citing the influx of individuals from the country into the U.S., many of whom he claims have ties to criminal activities. This rhetoric aligns with the administration’s broader strategy, which has included a series of military strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the region. Since September, the U.S. has conducted at least 21 strikes against these boats, reinforcing the narrative that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels that have evolved into transnational terrorist organizations.
As tensions mount, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles—a criminal network purportedly linked to Maduro and his allies—as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation is part of a larger strategy aimed at dismantling the networks that support Maduro’s regime. Trump has also expressed a willingness to engage directly with Maduro, stating, “I probably would talk to him. Yeah, I talked to everybody.” This statement reflects the administration’s complex approach to diplomacy, which balances military readiness with the potential for dialogue. As the situation develops, the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability remain significant, with many watching closely to see how the administration will navigate this fraught geopolitical landscape.
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President
Donald Trump
has given his approval for the CIA to carry out covert operations within Venezuela, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The report comes after the U.S. deployed the USS Gerald Ford, America’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean. Citing multiple people briefed on the matter, the Times reported that the covert operations could lay the groundwork for a potentially more broad military campaign.
The unnamed sources further said that back channel negotiations with Venezuela’s government have so far failed to produce results. They say Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro offered to step down after a delay of “a couple years,” but the Trump administration rejected the offer.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
TRUMP AGREES MADURO’S DAYS AS VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT ARE NUMBERED IN ‘60 MINUTES’ INTERVIEW
The news was first reported less than a day after Trump labeled Maduro a “terrorist” and left the door open to
deploying U.S. troops
to Venezuela.
“No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything,” Trump said Monday when asked about the possibility.
“We just have to take care of Venezuela. They dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country from prisons. Nobody knows better than this young lady right here,” Trump continued, referring to Department of Homeland Security chief
Kristi Noem
.
“She’s done an incredible job with Tom Homan and all of your people.”
TRUMP SAYS VENEZUELA’S MADURO DOESN’T WANT TO ‘F*** AROUND’ WITH THE US
The U.S. has carried out a series of
strikes on boats
that reportedly traffic narcotics in the waters off of Central and South America since September. The administration has carried out at least 21 fatal strikes on the boats since September, with the most recent strike unfolding Sunday.
Secretary of State
Marco Rubio
announced Sunday that a criminal network allegedly tied to Maduro and his allies, the Cartel de los Soles, will be designated a foreign terrorist organization as tensions continue to escalate.
Trump added Monday that he would speak with Maduro when asked if he was prepared to directly speak with the dictator.
“Yeah, I probably would talk to him. Yeah, I talked to everybody,” Trump said.
The administration has defended the strikes, saying the U.S. is engaged in an ”
armed conflict
” with drug cartels after the groups evolved into transnational terror organizations.
Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.
