Trump Greenlights CIA Ops in Venezuela Over Drug Trafficking

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, signaling a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

The New York Times first reported the classified directive, citing U.S. officials familiar with the decision. According to sources, the Trump administration’s strategy in Venezuela aims to remove Maduro from power. As part of these efforts, the administration has offered $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.

Trump Cites Drug Trafficking Concerns

President Trump defended his decision, citing the large quantities of drugs entering the United States from Venezuela, much of it trafficked by sea.

“We are looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump said, emphasizing his administration’s focus on curbing narcotics entering the U.S.

He accused Venezuela of being a hub for fentanyl trafficking, although U.S. data shows that Mexico remains the primary source of the deadly opioid. When asked why the Coast Guard had not intercepted suspected trafficking boats, Trump criticized traditional methods as “politically correct” and ineffective.

Military Buildup and Strikes

Trump has ordered a substantial U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean, with troops reportedly conducting at least five strikes on vessels described as involved in drug trafficking. However, the administration has provided no public evidence linking these vessels to narcotics.

This campaign marks another instance of Trump employing U.S. military power in unconventional and legally contentious ways, ranging from deploying active-duty troops domestically in Los Angeles to executing counterterrorism strikes targeting drug suspects abroad. The Pentagon recently informed Congress that Trump has classified the United States as engaged in “a non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels.

Escalation Raises Concerns in Congress

Trump also accused Venezuela of releasing prisoners—including some from mental health facilities—into the United States, though he did not specify the border or provide supporting data.

Members of Congress, including Republicans, have expressed frustration over the administration’s limited disclosure regarding the strikes. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that U.S. actions risk pushing the country closer to open conflict:

“The American people deserve to know if the Administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting servicemembers at risk, or pursuing a regime-change operation,” she stated.

Neither Maduro’s Information Ministry nor representatives of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado responded to requests for comment on the president’s announcement.