Trump Warns of Action Against Maduro
President Trump has declared in a recent interview that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered.” He hinted at the possibility of deploying U.S. ground forces to remove Maduro but didn’t specify any concrete plans.
In a roundtable discussion with Politico, released on Tuesday, Trump emphasized the necessity of ousting Maduro, especially as his administration intensifies its fight against drug trafficking in South America. However, he chose not to elaborate on how the United States would enact this regime change.
When asked by Dasha Barnes, a reporter and podcast host, about his willingness to take further action against Maduro, Trump hesitated, responding, “I don’t want to say that.”
Barnes pressed further, asking if he wished to see Maduro ousted. Trump answered, “His days are numbered.” He has frequently criticized the Caracas government for allegedly sending “drug traffickers,” including members of the notorious gang Tren de Aragua, into the U.S.
“I want Venezuelans to be treated well,” Trump mentioned, expressing his respect for those from Venezuela, many of whom reside in the U.S. He noted that they largely supported him in the past, saying, “They voted for me 94% or so… I’ve gotten to know them very well. They’re great people. And they were treated badly by Maduro.”
Sine September 2, U.S. military operations have included over 20 airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in over 80 casualties.
When Barnes inquired if he could rule out a ground invasion of Venezuela, Trump replied, “I don’t want to say no or deny it.” He later added, “I don’t talk about that,” and expressed reluctance to discuss military strategies.
Trump also mentioned that airstrikes targeting Venezuelan territory are expected to happen “soon.” The U.S. is bolstering its amphibious forces near Venezuela, while Maduro is preparing his troops for potential guerrilla-style counterattacks.
Moreover, during the interview, Trump hinted at the possibility of similar military actions against targets in Mexico and Colombia due to their role in fentanyl trafficking, which he claimed exceeds that of Venezuela. The White House has attributed the trafficking of illegal opiates and cocaine into the United States to Venezuelan gangs. A 2019 DEA report indicated that most fentanyl—linked to numerous overdose deaths in the U.S.—is sourced from Mexico, with precursor ingredients shipped from China.
