Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have entered a dangerous new stage. This follows a direct demand from the US president and a major military movement to the Caribbean. The Trump administration has increased its efforts against the government of Nicolás Maduro. It is combining diplomatic pressure with a large anti-drug operation. Critics say this operation is really an attempt to force a change in leadership. This complex situation has led to a strong and defiant response from Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. It raises the fear of more conflict in a region that is already unstable.
The situation became much worse after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to reports, President Trump clearly demanded that Maduro resign immediately. He offered safe travel out of the country for Maduro and his family. Maduro reportedly refused to leave at once. Instead, he suggested talks for a general amnesty and insisted on keeping his control of the military. President Trump later spoke about the call, saying simply, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly, it was a phone call.”
At the same time, the United States has made a significant military move near Venezuela. Around 15,000 troops, supported by a large aircraft carrier group, have been sent to the Caribbean. The official reason is to fight drug trafficking. The US government has officially labeled a cartel, which it says is led by Maduro, as a terrorist organization. This provides a legal reason for its actions. Since September, US forces have attacked at least 21 boats suspected of carrying drugs in international waters, causing many deaths.
In response, President Maduro is trying to build domestic support. He describes the US actions as a neo-colonial attack on Venezuela’s independence. Speaking at a big rally, he said, “We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies!” His government consistently says the US strategy is a clear plan to change Venezuela’s leadership and take control of its large natural resources.
The effects of this increased pressure are serious. The clear demand from Washington makes diplomacy more difficult, and the nearby naval forces add a real military threat to the crisis. As Maduro continues his nationalist message and the US keeps up its pressure, the situation points toward a long standoff or a risky mistake, with the Venezuelan people caught in the middle.