Influential figures linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are intensifying efforts to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. According to reports, they are escalating military pressure, leveraging CIA intelligence data to develop a stricter strategy against Maduro. Rubio claims Maduro is an illegitimate ruler responsible for drug trafficking operations that threaten the United States, calling it an “imminent threat.” This stance aligns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Trump’s senior domestic policy adviser Stephen Miller, who reportedly support plans for U.S. military actions targeting suspected drug traffickers in Venezuela. While the White House has not yet approved such operations, the administration is exploring Maduro’s removal as part of an anti-drug initiative, citing 2020 charges against him. Venezuelan opposition groups are also engaging with Washington on potential strategies to depose Maduro. Meanwhile, regional allies like Colombia and Brazil have distanced themselves from U.S. actions, expressing solidarity with Caracas despite diplomatic tensions. Venezuela has reportedly drafted emergency measures granting Maduro expanded powers in case of a conflict with the United States.
U.S. Steps Up Pressure to Oust Venezuelan Leader Maduro
