President Donald Trump is considering potential military and covert operations targeting cocaine production sites and trafficking routes within Venezuela, according to three U.S. officials who spoke with CNN. Although no final decision has been made, discussions are ongoing across multiple government agencies.
On Friday, signs pointed toward a possible escalation as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier strike group, currently stationed in Europe, to move toward the Caribbean. This repositioning comes amid a broader buildup of U.S. forces in the region. Additionally, Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela.
Officials emphasized that while military options remain under consideration, the president has not ruled out diplomatic engagement. Active talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro were recently suspended, but two officials said diplomatic measures remain a possibility.
While Venezuela is not typically regarded as a primary source of cocaine, the Trump administration has been working to connect Maduro’s government to the narcotics trade. The U.S. military continues to strike suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters, with recent operations bringing the total to 10 boats targeted and 43 people killed since the campaign began last month.
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