Washington, D.C. – Trump Administration Explores Covert Action Inside Venezuela

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to escalate its campaign against Venezuela, with potential covert operations targeting the Venezuelan government and drug cartels. Reports indicate that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) may be authorized to conduct clandestine missions, which could include lethal operations, inside the country.

President Donald Trump appeared to confirm a New York Times report that his administration has authorized CIA involvement in Venezuela but declined to specify whether the agency has the authority to directly target Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He did confirm that the administration is evaluating strikes against drug trafficking organizations operating within Venezuela.

Scope of Potential Operations

While details of specific missions remain classified, sources suggest that the CIA could act independently or in coordination with broader U.S. military operations. This development comes after several weeks of U.S. military actions against vessels allegedly carrying drugs off the Venezuelan coast.

The potential covert operations reflect a broader Trump-era foreign policy approach emphasizing pressure on adversarial regimes in Latin America while targeting transnational criminal networks. Analysts warn that any U.S. intervention in Venezuela could escalate tensions in the region, with implications for both regional stability and U.S.-Venezuelan relations.

Implications and Expert Commentary

Experts note that authorizing covert action inside Venezuela represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement, potentially signaling a willingness to confront the Maduro government more directly. Such operations could include intelligence-gathering, sabotage, or targeted strikes, though the administration has not publicly confirmed these specifics.

“The planning and scope of any CIA operations in Venezuela are likely to remain highly classified,” said a former intelligence official. “However, the strategic intent appears to be putting pressure on Maduro while disrupting drug trafficking networks that impact U.S. security.”

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s consideration of covert operations inside Venezuela marks a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, emphasizing aggressive measures against both the Maduro regime and regional criminal networks. The situation remains fluid, with any operational decisions carrying potential geopolitical risks for the Americas.