Gabbard Declares End to U.S. Regime Change Policy
In recent remarks, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, indicated a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. She stated that the era of “regime change or nation-building” is finished.
This statement comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, primarily over allegations of drug trafficking against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Gabbard emphasized that the U.S. would not partake in another regime change conflict.
“For decades, our foreign policy has been caught in a cycle of regime change and nation-building,” Gabbard mentioned before attending a security summit in Bahrain.
She criticized the “one-size-fits-all” approach that often led to overthrowing regimes, imposing governance structures, and intervening in complex conflicts—often leaving more enemies than allies.
“The outcome has been trillions of dollars spent, countless lives lost, and, in many instances, increased security threats,” she added.
These remarks come at a time when President Trump has ordered a deployment of warships near South America and authorized covert operations within Venezuela, which some perceive as a potential step towards a regime change initiative.
Additionally, Trump has greenlit attacks on vessels suspected of smuggling drugs, claiming to have eliminated 61 “narco-terrorists” in the process.
When asked about the possibility of a military attack on Venezuela, Trump simply replied, “No.”
Despite Gabbard’s stance, some hawkish Republicans, like Senator Lindsey Graham, continue to advocate for regime change in Venezuela. Graham notably stated that the indictment of Maduro as a drug trafficker justified the need for his removal, suggesting that issues with drug trafficking have persisted long enough in the region.
“Things are evolving with drug traffickers and cartels,” Graham noted. “We will use military force to protect our country, as we always have. If I were Maduro, I’d consider leaving soon,” he warned.
Graham has publicly disagreed with Trump in the past over foreign policy choices, including matters concerning Iran and military interventions.
“There can be no peace between Iran and Israel unless Iran changes its policy,” Graham remarked earlier this year, suggesting a shift in Iran’s governance could be necessary for stability.
