Overview: Trump’s Confirmation and the Context
In a statement that upends the usual calculus of US policy toward Venezuela, former President Donald Trump confirmed reports that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside the country. The disclosure marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro and his government amid years of political and humanitarian strain in the region.
The New York Times had first reported the classified directive, quoting US officials familiar with the decision. Trump’s remarks, delivered amid a flurry of political and security developments, cast new light on the reach of American intelligence activity in Venezuela and the broader policy tools Washington is willing to deploy against Maduro’s regime.
Trump’s Stated Motivations
Trump cited two primary reasons for authorizing the CIA’s covert activity, according to his account. First, he claimed that Venezuela had released large numbers of prisoners, including people from mental health facilities, into the United States, often crossing the border under what he described as an open-border policy. He did not specify which border or provide corroborating details in public remarks.
Second, Trump argued that a large influx of drugs was entering the United States from Venezuela, a factor he attributed to trafficking networks operating at sea. He suggested that addressing these security concerns could justify the use of intelligence assets inside Venezuela as part of a broader strategy against narcotics and organized crime.
Responses from Caracas and the Opposition
Maduro quickly condemned the episodes as interference, calling them “coups d’etat orchestrated by the CIA.” In a televised address to a committee established after Washington deployed warships to the Caribbean for an anti-drug operation, Maduro framed the events as another example of what he described as foreign meddling and aggression.
He urged the Venezuelan people to reject what he called external pressure and vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty. As tensions rose, Maduro announced military exercises in the country’s largest shantytowns and mobilized security forces, a move intended to deter perceived threats and reassure the public of the regime’s resolve.
U.S. Policy Stance and Public Reactions
The United States has long accused Maduro of drug trafficking and election interference, charges he and his supporters dispute. In a separate development, Washington had previously raised the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million in August, signaling a continued emphasis on leadership change in Venezuela.
Analysts cautioned that confirming covert operations expands the political and legal risks for both the United States and Venezuela. The disclosure could complicate diplomatic channels, affect regional stability, and influence negotiations with other regional actors already wary of external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Implications for the Region
Regional leaders and international organizations will be watching closely to see how this development affects security dynamics in the Caribbean and South America. If the CIA’s activities are sustained, they could lead to retaliatory cycles, impact humanitarian relief efforts, and alter the calculus of sanctions and diplomatic engagement in the hemisphere.
What Comes Next?
As Trump’s statements circulate, questions remain about the scope, oversight, and outcomes of planned or ongoing covert actions. For Maduro, the immediate concern is preserving stability and legitimacy amid ongoing domestic and international pressure. For the United States, the challenge lies in pursuing strategic objectives while navigating legal frameworks, regional alliances, and the risk of escalation.
