Former U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he authorized covert operations by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Venezuela during his term in office, a revelation that underscores the depth of Washington’s efforts to undermine President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Speaking at a policy forum in Florida on Wednesday, Trump stated that his administration “took decisive steps behind the scenes” to support democratic opposition forces in Venezuela. “I gave the CIA the green light to do what needed to be done,” Trump said. “Maduro is a criminal, and we acted accordingly.”

While Trump did not elaborate on specific operations, intelligence sources previously indicated that the CIA provided logistical support and intelligence sharing to Venezuelan opposition figures, particularly during the political crisis of 2019–2021, when opposition leader Juan Guaidó was recognized by the U.S. and dozens of other countries as the legitimate interim president.

This is the first time a former U.S. president has publicly acknowledged greenlighting covert CIA activity against the Venezuelan government a move that raises significant legal and diplomatic questions.

The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the statement, calling it “a blatant admission of foreign interference and hybrid warfare.” In a televised address, Maduro accused the U.S. of violating international law and said Trump’s remarks confirmed long held suspicions of covert destabilization efforts.

The CIA has not commented on the revelation, in line with its standard policy on intelligence matters.

Historical Context

The U.S. has a long and controversial history of covert interventions in Latin America, particularly during the Cold War, including operations in Chile, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Trump’s admission adds Venezuela to a list of nations where U.S. intelligence operations played a role in shaping internal political outcomes.

Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela have been hostile for over two decades, beginning under President Hugo Chávez and intensifying under Maduro. Sanctions, diplomatic expulsions, and efforts to isolate Caracas economically and politically have characterized bilateral ties since 2017.

Geopolitical Implications

Trump’s remarks could further complicate the Biden administration’s cautious diplomatic re-engagement with Venezuela, especially in light of recent talks over easing oil sanctions in exchange for democratic reforms.

Regional leaders in Latin America have long criticized U.S. interventionism, and Trump’s comments may reignite anti American sentiment among left leaning governments in the region.

Canberra, August 26, 2025 — In a major escalation of diplomatic tensions, Australia has expelled the Iranian ambassador and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, citing “credible intelligence” that the Iranian government directed antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement in a national address on Tuesday, revealing that the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) had concluded Iran was responsible for two targeted attacks one on the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney, and another on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne both of which occurred in 2024.

“Since the terrible events of October 7, 2023, we have witnessed a number of appalling antisemitic attacks against Australia’s Jewish community,” Albanese said.
“ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion that the Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement.”

Albanese added that all Australian diplomats in Tehran have been safely relocated to a third country, and that Australia will take further actions to counter Iranian interference.

“Totally Unacceptable” – Australia Draws a Red Line

The Prime Minister condemned what he described as state-sponsored efforts to destabilize Australia’s multicultural society.

“Iran’s actions are not only criminal they are an attempt to undermine Australia’s social cohesion and threaten our democratic values. That is totally unacceptable,” he said.

Albanese confirmed that Iran’s Ambassador to Australia was officially notified of his expulsion, and that diplomatic staff would be required to leave the country within days.

IRGC Designation Underway

In a significant move aligning Australia more closely with Western allies, Albanese announced that the government is preparing to formally designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization a step long sought by parts of Australia’s security establishment and Jewish community.

“We are working closely with our allies and legal teams to ensure a swift and proper designation of the IRGC under Australian law,” he stated.

The IRGC has been accused of sponsoring proxy violence globally and is already designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and others.

Background: Rising Tensions Since October 7

The announcement comes amid mounting international scrutiny of Iran’s foreign operations following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, which triggered a regional crisis and a global rise in antisemitic incidents.

Australia’s Jewish community, which includes approximately 120,000 people, has reported a sharp increase in threats, vandalism, and online hate speech since the 2023 attacks.

The bomb attack on Lewis Continental Kitchen a prominent kosher restaurant in Sydney and the arson attempt at Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne both shocked the nation. Until now, no foreign state was publicly blamed for the incidents.

Iran Yet to Respond

As of Tuesday morning, Tehran had not issued an official response to Australia’s decision. Iran’s foreign ministry is expected to release a statement once the ambassador returns home.

Observers expect reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and potential cyber or proxy retaliation. Analysts also warned the move could further destabilize Australia’s trade and diplomatic engagement with the Middle East.

What’s Next?

Albanese pledged continued support for Australia’s Jewish community and vowed increased intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with international partners.

“This is not about geopolitics this is about protecting Australians, defending our sovereignty, and making sure that no foreign government can attack our people with impunity.”

The government is also expected to table legislation expanding the list of organizations eligible for terrorist designation and increasing ASIO’s mandate to respond to foreign interference threats.