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.

Venezuela’s defense leadership has issued a stern warning to the United States following reports of an increased U.S. naval presence near its maritime borders. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared that the Venezuelan military is “preparing to fight” should American forces cross into Venezuelan territory.

His comments, broadcast through state media, come amid heightened U.S. anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea, with American warships reportedly being deployed off the coast of Venezuela. Additional vessels are expected to arrive next week as part of expanded U.S. efforts to target drug trafficking networks in the region.

“We are ready to respond to any circumstance. Venezuela is not afraid,” said López during a televised address, signaling defiance against what the government views as intimidation by Washington.

Background & Strategic Context

The U.S. has long accused Venezuela of being a transit point for illicit drug shipments headed toward North America and Europe. Washington’s strategy has included aerial surveillance, sanctions, and now, a renewed maritime presence aimed at disrupting cartel operations. However, the increase in U.S. naval activity has also raised alarms in Caracas, where government officials claim the actions infringe on Venezuela’s sovereignty and serve broader geopolitical motives.

Tensions between the two nations have been simmering for years, particularly following U.S. sanctions against the government of President Nicolás Maduro and its close military and economic ties with Russia, China, and Iran. While the U.S. officially supports opposition movements in Venezuela, diplomatic relations remain largely frozen.

Regional and Diplomatic Fallout

The Venezuelan government’s latest warning could escalate regional concerns over military confrontation. Analysts suggest that while an outright conflict remains unlikely, the tone from both Caracas and Washington risks deepening political divisions across Latin America and increasing the potential for miscalculation.

In recent years, Venezuela has bolstered its defense posture by conducting joint exercises with allies and expanding military cooperation with foreign partners. Meanwhile, U.S. Navy forces have operated increasingly in the region under counter-narcotics missions and freedom of navigation operations, particularly near nations deemed strategically significant.

What’s Next?

With more U.S. warships expected to arrive in the Caribbean within the next week, diplomatic watchers are closely monitoring for any signs of direct confrontation. Both nations have yet to announce any formal talks, and no intermediaries have been confirmed to de-escalate the situation.

For now, both sides remain entrenched in rhetoric, with Venezuela vowing to defend its territory and the U.S. reiterating its commitment to international law and regional security.

Speaking to reporters, Leavitt referred to Maduro as a “dictator” and confirmed that the Venezuelan leader has been indicted a reference to U.S. federal charges filed in 2020 that accused him of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. “President Trump is prepared to use every element of national power to stop Maduro and support the Venezuelan people,” Leavitt stated.

Her comments follow Venezuela’s UN ambassador publicly rejecting the drug trafficking allegations, calling them “baseless” and “politically motivated.” The diplomatic clash comes amid growing international pressure on Caracas over human rights abuses, suppression of political dissent, and economic collapse.

Background:

Nicolás Maduro has ruled Venezuela since 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been marked by widespread accusations of electoral fraud, economic mismanagement, and the violent repression of opposition figures. In 2018, Maduro claimed victory in an election widely condemned by international observers as neither free nor fair.

In response, over 50 countries including the United States and several EU nations recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019. However, Guaidó’s political momentum has since stalled, and Maduro has maintained control of the military and state institutions.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Maduro and several members of his inner circle on charges of narco terrorism and conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. While enforcement of these indictments has been largely symbolic, they have strained diplomatic relations further.

Current Developments:

Leavitt’s remarks suggest a sharp escalation in tone and policy, potentially opening the door for expanded sanctions, regional coordination, or covert support to opposition groups.

The comments come at a sensitive time, as Venezuela prepares for parliamentary elections in December, which international observers warn could be manipulated to further entrench Maduro’s power.

The Venezuelan government, in response to Leavitt’s remarks, issued a statement through its UN envoy rejecting U.S. interference and accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize the country under the guise of democracy.

What’s Next:

Analysts believe the Trump administration may soon propose new sanctions or coordinate with Latin American allies to diplomatically isolate Maduro. U.S. intelligence agencies are also reportedly monitoring military and political developments within Venezuela closely.

With tensions rising and the humanitarian crisis worsening, Venezuela remains a geopolitical flashpoint in the Western Hemisphere.