In a stunning admission that reignited geopolitical tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela, drawing sharp condemnation from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The revelation comes amid years of strained relations between Washington and Caracas, with accusations, denials, and a growing climate of mistrust.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump hinted at his administration’s secret approval of CIA activities targeting Maduro’s regime, which he described as “narco-terrorist.” He accused the Venezuelan leader of running a corrupt state and “sending prisoners” to the United States. When pressed by reporters about whether the CIA had been given the green light to “take out” Maduro, Trump deflected, calling it “a ridiculous question to answer.”
The remarks came just days after a U.S. naval strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, resulting in multiple casualties. Trump signaled that the U.S. could expand its operations from sea to land, claiming the country had “the sea under control” but was now “looking at land.” So far, at least 27 people have reportedly been killed in these actions, sparking widespread criticism about the legality and ethics of such operations in international waters.
In Caracas, Maduro denounced what he described as U.S.-orchestrated coups and CIA interference, responding by ordering nationwide military drills. “No to war in the Caribbean. No to regime change. No to coups d’état,” he declared during a televised address, mobilizing Venezuela’s armed forces, police, and civilian militia to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
Experts say Trump’s comments could have far-reaching implications. While Washington frames its actions as part of an “anti-drug campaign,” many Latin American governments and analysts fear that such moves signal a push for regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics operations.
Adding to the political theatre, U.S.-backed opposition leader María Corina Machado—long seen as a symbol of democratic resistance—was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful opposition to Maduro’s rule. In a surprising twist, she dedicated the honor to Trump, who has himself previously expressed interest in the award.
As the world watches, the lines between diplomacy, security, and sovereignty blur once again. For Venezuelans, it’s a story not just of politics—but of a nation fighting to define its own destiny amid external pressures and internal challenges.
