In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, the Trump administration has taken a series of bold steps that have left the region—and much of the world—on edge. Over the past week, a combination of military maneuvers, covert operations, and diplomatic warnings have signaled that Washington is prepared to go further than ever before in its efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose hold on power has been a source of international controversy and domestic unrest.
According to CBS News, senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday, November 22, 2025, to discuss a striking new tactic: dropping leaflets over Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, as a form of psychological warfare aimed directly at Maduro’s regime. The operation, which had not yet received final authorization, was being considered for Sunday—coinciding with Maduro’s 63rd birthday. The Washington Post first reported on the proposed leaflet drop, which would represent a symbolic and provocative move in the ongoing standoff.
This leaflet plan is just one piece of a much larger and increasingly aggressive strategy. Over recent months, the U.S. has dramatically ramped up pressure on Maduro’s government. A significant military buildup has unfolded in the region, with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier—alongside three guided missile destroyers in the western Atlantic and an additional seven military ships, including cruisers and amphibious vessels, stationed in the Caribbean. Navy officials confirmed to CBS News that several dozen U.S. fighter jets are also positioned nearby, ready for rapid deployment if needed.
The Pentagon’s actions have not been merely for show. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted a series of strikes targeting alleged drug boats in both the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, these operations are designed to cripple cartels and drug traffickers believed to be funneling narcotics into the United States—though, as CBS News notes, the vessels targeted so far were confirmed to be carrying drugs. The death toll from these strikes has reached at least 80, underscoring the lethal seriousness of the campaign.
Meanwhile, covert operations have entered a new phase. President Trump himself, as reported by CBS News, recently acknowledged that he has authorized the CIA to conduct clandestine missions inside Venezuela. The aim: to destabilize Maduro’s grip on power and disrupt what the administration alleges is a criminal cartel operating at the highest levels of the Venezuelan government. In a move that further raises the stakes, the U.S. is set to officially designate the so-called Cartel de los Soles—allegedly headed by Maduro—as a terrorist organization starting Monday, November 24, 2025, according to reporting from Reuters and AFP.
All of this has prompted widespread speculation that regime change is now the ultimate goal of U.S. policy. On the GZERO World Podcast, foreign policy analyst Ian Bremmer and former U.S. Ambassador James Story discussed the potential consequences of a full-scale intervention. Story warned that while removing Maduro might be achievable, the aftermath would be far more complicated: “The country is a failed state,” he said. “You’re going to need the military to help you secure peace while you rebuild.” He questioned whether the U.S. possesses the resources, capability, or political will to remain engaged for the long haul, especially given the daunting task of reconstructing Venezuela’s shattered institutions and economy.
The possibility of direct military involvement is no longer merely theoretical. Asked on Monday, November 17, 2025, whether he would consider sending U.S. troops into Venezuela, President Trump told reporters, “No, I don’t rule out that. I don’t rule out anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela.” This open-ended statement has only fueled anxiety in Caracas and beyond, with many fearing that a new phase of operations could be imminent.
These fears are not unfounded. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a stern warning on November 23, 2025, about the dangers posed by “heightened military activity” in the region, cautioning that threats could endanger aircraft at all altitudes—including during overflight, takeoff, landing, and while on the ground. The warning had immediate practical effects: six major airlines, including Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean, canceled all flights to Venezuela. As reported by the Hindustan Times, Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association, said the suspensions would remain in place until further notice, though she did not specify a timeline. Other carriers, such as Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER, have continued operations for now, but the atmosphere remains tense.
Despite the saber-rattling, there has been no formal declaration of war between the U.S. and Venezuela. Nevertheless, the scale of the military deployments and the rhetoric from both sides suggest that the situation could escalate quickly. The Trump administration maintains that its actions are aimed at curbing drug trafficking and restoring democracy in Venezuela, but critics argue that the real objective is to forcibly remove Maduro from power—an endeavor fraught with risks and uncertainties.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long been a polarizing figure. His recent declaration of victory in the July 2024 presidential elections—despite losing by a wide margin to the opposition—sparked international outrage and condemnation. The U.S., along with several other nations, refuses to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president. In a bid to further isolate him, the Trump administration has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest, accusing him of running a criminal enterprise that endangers both Venezuelans and Americans.
In response to mounting pressure, Maduro has signaled a willingness to negotiate. On the same day that Trump left open the possibility of troop deployment, Maduro said he would be open to “face-to-face” discussions with the U.S. president. Whether such talks can produce a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain, given the current climate of distrust and the apparent momentum toward confrontation.
As the world watches, the fate of Venezuela hangs in the balance. The coming days could bring further escalation—or, perhaps, a surprise turn toward diplomacy. For now, the only certainty is uncertainty itself, as both nations brace for what may come next.
