In a rare and startling revelation, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela. This confirmation follows reports in the New York Times that detailed Trump’s secret approval for intelligence activities targeting the South American nation.
Trump Confirms Authorizing CIA Operations Inside Venezuela
Speaking at the White House, Trump openly acknowledged the move—an unusual step for any American president, as such intelligence authorizations are typically kept secret. When asked by a reporter why he gave the green light to the CIA, Trump stated that his decision was driven by two main concerns: drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
“I authorized for two reasons really,” Trump said. “Number one, they [Venezuela] have emptied their prisons into the United States of America. And the other thing are drugs. We have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and we’re going to stop them by land also.”
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The President’s remarks came alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi during a press briefing in the Oval Office. His statement has drawn sharp international attention for its rare openness about US covert activities and the potential implications for relations with Venezuela.
Although Venezuela plays only a limited role in the regional drug trade, the United States has long accused Venezuelan officials of aiding narcotics networks. Trump’s authorization now allows the CIA to carry out secret missions in Venezuela independently or as part of wider US military actions. However, it remains unclear whether the CIA has already begun any such operations or if they are being kept as contingency plans.
Venezuela Condemns US Military Actions and CIA Role
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose presidency remains contested internationally following disputed elections last year, reacted with anger to Trump’s announcement. Addressing his nation on live television, Maduro called for peace and strongly denounced any potential CIA interference.
“No to regime change, which reminds us so much of the endless, failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on,” Maduro said during his address. “No to CIA orchestrated coups d’état.”
Maduro accused the United States of aggression and warned that increased American military presence in the Caribbean could lead to further instability. He also emphasized that Venezuela sought peace, not confrontation, saying, “Listen to me, no war, yes peace, the people United States.”
His comments came just hours after a US airstrike reportedly killed six people on a boat near Venezuela’s coastline. The US military claimed the vessel was carrying drugs and linked to narcoterrorist networks, but officials have not disclosed the identities of those aboard or confirmed which organization was involved.
In recent weeks, the US has carried out at least five similar strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in 27 deaths. UN-appointed human rights experts have condemned these operations as “extrajudicial executions.”
Responding to Trump’s words, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the country “rejects the warmongering and extravagant statements of the president of the United States.” He added that the use of the CIA and increased US naval deployments “amount to a policy of aggression, threat, and harassment against Venezuela.”
To demonstrate readiness, Maduro ordered large-scale military exercises in the Caracas suburb of Petare and in nearby Miranda state. He announced the mobilization of the Venezuelan military, police, and civilian militia to defend the oil-rich nation against potential threats.
US Expands Caribbean Military Operations Amid Drug War Claims
The Trump administration has intensified military activity in the Caribbean as part of what it calls a crackdown on drug smuggling. So far, the United States has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and multiple fighter jets to the region.
According to a leaked memo circulated among US lawmakers, the administration has legally defined its campaign as a “non-international armed conflict” against drug-trafficking organizations. This classification allows for greater flexibility in using military and intelligence assets.
US officials have also accused Maduro of having ties to a criminal group known as the “Cartel of the Suns,” which allegedly includes senior Venezuelan military officers involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has strongly denied these claims, calling them baseless attempts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Former CIA paramilitary officer and Assistant Undersecretary of Defense Mick Mulroy told the BBC that such a CIA authorization would require a formal presidential finding. This document specifies the objectives and scope of any covert mission. “In order to conduct covert action, there needs to be a presidential finding for the CIA specially authorizing it,” Mulroy said. He added that such approval would mark a “substantial increase” in Washington’s efforts against drug-trafficking groups.
Mulroy said the situation could resemble a “real-life Sicario,” referencing the 2015 film about US operations against drug cartels.
Tensions remain high as Venezuela monitors US military movements, with fears of escalation following Trump’s rare admission authorizing CIA operations — a move that has sparked global debate and diplomatic outrage.