Trump Warns Venezuelan Leader Maduro: ‘Don’t Mess with the United States!’

President Trump recently confirmed that Venezuelan leaders have offered the U.S. a significant stake in their oil, gold, and other resources. This move is part of an attempt to ease tensions with the U.S. President Nicolás Maduro, facing pressure, seems eager to negotiate. Trump commented, “He has offered everything. He doesn’t want to mess with the United States.”

During a meeting that included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump discussed authorizing the CIA for covert operations in Venezuela. Just days earlier, he confirmed this decision to take action against drug trafficking from Venezuela. The U.S. has reportedly conducted strikes on vessels suspected of involvement in drug smuggling, resulting in multiple casualties.

It’s uncommon for a president to openly acknowledge ongoing CIA operations. When asked why he authorized this intervention, Trump cited two main reasons: the influx of drugs into the U.S. and concerns over Venezuelan citizens allegedly crossing the border after being released from prisons.

The U.S. government has intensified its focus on Venezuela in recent months. The Justice Department has accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel. In August, they boosted the reward for information leading to his capture to $50 million, which shows the seriousness of the situation.

Additionally, the U.S. military presence in the region has increased. Trump has deployed warships, a nuclear submarine, and fighter jets as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking. Roughly 10,000 U.S. military personnel are reportedly stationed in the Caribbean, ready for action.

In recent years, public perception of U.S. involvement in Venezuela has evolved. Many on social media express concern over military interventions, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead. These discussions highlight a wider debate over how to engage with authoritarian regimes while addressing humanitarian crises.

As the situation develops, it will be crucial to watch how the U.S. balances its military efforts with diplomatic interactions, as unstable environments often lead to unintended consequences both for the countries involved and for international relations as a whole.

For a deeper look into the impact of drug trafficking and U.S. involvement in Latin America, check out the State Department resources.

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Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela