U.S. Stance on Venezuela Military Action

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is not gearing up for increased military action in Venezuela. However, he emphasized that the U.S. would take necessary military measures if an “imminent threat” emerges.

“The president will not dismiss options as commander in chief to safeguard America’s interests,” Rubio remarked during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting. “I can now say with complete certainty that we are not set to undertake military action in Venezuela at any time, nor do we plan or expect to do so. The only military presence that you will see there is our Marine Guard at the embassy.”

Yet, he noted that certain developments could prompt military intervention, mentioning a hypothetical situation where an Iranian drone factory poses risks to U.S. interests or allies. “The president keeps the option open for self-defense against that threat,” Rubio explained. “While it hasn’t happened, and we don’t foresee it, it’s a possibility. I hope it doesn’t come to that… But it would likely necessitate an immediate threat of something we aren’t currently anticipating.”

Rubio’s comments followed a query regarding his earlier prepared statement in which he suggested a willingness to employ military force to ensure cooperation from Venezuela’s transitional government, should the U.S. face rebellion after the ouster of dictator Nicolás Maduro.

In his testimony, Rubio stated he would consider using force for maximum cooperation if all else fails, though he ultimately did not specify such actions would occur. “We hope this becomes unnecessary, but we won’t neglect our responsibilities to the American people or our objectives in the hemisphere,” he added.

He further claimed that there are no U.S. forces stationed in Venezuela and that operations conducted were not part of a war against the country. “There is no war against Venezuela, and we haven’t occupied it,” Rubio asserted. “There are no U.S. troops on the ground. This is a law enforcement support operation.”

The push to remove President Maduro has faced scrutiny, particularly from Democrats who are questioning the legality of actions in Venezuela, which proceeded without Congressional consent. Attempts to introduce a War Powers Resolution limiting further military actions in Venezuela were unsuccessful in early January. Rubio has previously argued that these operations do not require Congressional approval as they do not constitute an “invasion.”

Rubio stated Wednesday that Congress would be informed within 48 hours of any sustained military efforts in Venezuela and would require Congressional approval if such engagements last beyond 60 days. Additionally, he noted that Congress wasn’t consulted regarding the potential attack due to the War Department’s concerns about intelligence leaks and because the feasibility of such actions would not be clear until late December 2025, after negotiations with Maduro failed.

“This was a trigger-based operation. It might not have even happened,” Rubio noted. “A lot had to align to fit everything perfectly within a very narrow timeframe, and it was uncertain if that would be possible.”

On January 3, President Trump announced a significant operation in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were extradited to New York for federal court hearings on drug-related charges, where they both pleaded not guilty.

The raids followed months of pressure on the Venezuelan government to act against Maduro, alongside numerous airstrikes targeting suspected drug traffickers in Latin American waters—actions the Trump administration claimed were aligned with efforts to curb drug trafficking into the United States.

Since Maduro’s detention, the U.S. has conducted at least one further attack against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the area. The Trump administration has consistently denied recognizing Maduro as a legitimate head of state, labeling him instead as the head of a drug cartel. Just preceding the operation, Trump mentioned it would be “wise” for Maduro to resign.