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.

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.

In a televised address Tuesday night, Maduro framed the militia deployment as a defense of national sovereignty and a response to “imperialist aggression.”

“We will not kneel. Venezuela will defend its peace, its independence, and its dignity,” Maduro said, vowing resistance to U.S. pressure.

However, independent estimates suggest the actual number of trained and active militia members is significantly lower than the government’s claim.

U.S. Allegations and Caribbean Standoff

The United States has intensified its pursuit of Maduro, alleging that his administration collaborated with international drug cartels to smuggle cocaine laced with fentanyl into U.S. territory. According to U.S. federal authorities, nearly 30 tons of narcotics tied to Maduro linked networks have been seized in recent months.

In response, the U.S. State Department raised the bounty for Maduro’s capture, labeling him a “narco dictator” responsible for the deliberate poisoning of American communities.

Caracas has rejected the accusations, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil calling the reward increase “a pathetic political stunt” designed to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs ahead of its 2025 general elections.

Tensions escalated further after the deployment of Venezuelan forces to the Caribbean coast, coinciding with the arrival of U.S. Navy destroyers in the region. The military presence on both sides has raised fears of a potential standoff, though neither government has signaled imminent conflict.

Background:

Maduro has been under U.S. sanctions and criminal indictments since 2020, when federal prosecutors accused him and senior officials of operating a “narco terrorism” scheme. Despite international pressure and a collapsing economy, he has maintained power, backed by loyalist institutions and regional allies.