Trump Orders Warships to Venezuela
President Donald Trump has decided to send three warships, along with thousands of Marines, to the waters near Venezuela to combat the influx of illegal drugs entering the United States, which he attributes to President Nicolas Maduro’s “cartel crime network.”
Trump has labeled Maduro’s government a “Narco Terrorist Cartel” and previously took steps to classify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations through an executive order.
In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that Trump is committed to using “every element of American power” to curtail the drug trade and hold those responsible accountable.
Leavitt emphasized that the Maduro administration is “not a legitimate government in Venezuela, but a cartel of drug terrorism,” undermining Maduro’s claim to presidency.
Leavitt’s remarks also noted that Maduro had faced conspiracy charges in New York back in 2020 for his involvement in drug trafficking.
A source familiar with the mission indicated that the deployment would feature at least three Aegis guided missile destroyers, including “USS and USS Jason Dunham.” Meanwhile, another US official mentioned that around 4,000 Marines and soldiers would be involved, complemented by surveillance planes, submarines, and additional warships.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell reiterated on the first day of Trump’s administration the designation of drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, emphasizing that these groups pose direct threats to U.S. national security. He pointed out their historical role in violence and instability, saying it exacerbates criminal activity and the drug crisis in the United States.
Parnell continued, “This calls for a government-wide response. The Department of Defense will be crucial in fulfilling the President’s aims to neutralize these cartels threatening American security,” though he noted that specifics about future operations were not being disclosed.
Earlier this month, the U.S. increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, alleging his coordination with drug traffickers in smuggling fentanyl-laced cocaine.
In reaction, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gill rejected the U.S. allegations, claiming they reveal Washington’s inconsistencies and policy failures.
Gill remarked, “The accusations against Venezuela concerning drug trafficking highlight an unreliability in U.S. policies in the region.” He asserted that, contrary to U.S. threats, Venezuela remains committed to peace and sovereignty.
Responding to the perceived threats from the U.S., Maduro has announced the mobilization of over 4.5 million militia members across Venezuela.
Maduro characterized the U.S. as an “empire” that poses a renewed threat to Venezuela’s stability, pledging to safeguard the nation’s territory.
Department of Defense officials noted that this naval deployment is expected to last “for several months.”
