Why it matters:
Trump’s escalating campaign in Latin America is being criticized as a direct threat to the sovereignty of countries in the region. While his administration cites combating drug cartels as its goal, many analysts view it as a justification for U.S. military intervention. The strategy has not received broad support from U.S. allies; even the United Kingdom, one of Washington’s closest partners, has declined to endorse the White House’s actions.
The key points:
Trump signed off on covert CIA measures inside Venezuela, potentially including sabotage, cyber, or psychological operations.
At the same time, he reopened back-channel talks with President Nicolás Maduro, who signaled he might step down after a two- to three-year transition, a proposal the White House rejected.
The Pentagon has prepared strike lists targeting alleged drug facilities and Venezuelan military units near Maduro.
The State Department designated Cartel de los Soles a terrorist organization, a move critics say is designed to justify military action.
Between the lines:
While Trump publicly frames Venezuela as a hub for drug trafficking and illegal immigration, he has privately emphasized the country’s vast oil reserves and potential access for U.S. energy companies.
Legal experts and members of Congress have raised concerns that recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, which killed at least 83 people, were conducted without congressional authorization and may have targeted civilians.
The big picture:
Trump’s Latin America strategy reflects a broader pattern of U.S. intervention under the banner of fighting narcotics.
Regional governments and international allies remain wary, with Britain’s refusal to support the campaign underscoring the lack of consensus.
For many in the region, Trump’s actions are viewed not as counter-narcotics enforcement but as a geopolitical adventure that undermines national sovereignty.
Go deeper:
Maduro: U.S. Attack on Venezuela Would Be “Political Suicide” for Trump
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
