Trump Admits Authorising CIA Covert Operations in Venezuela, Ignites Maduro’s Fury
In a startling revelation, former US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that he had authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela, confirming long-standing suspicions of American interference in the South American nation’s internal affairs. His statement has sparked a fiery backlash from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who accused Washington of orchestrating coups and destabilising his government.
Trump’s remarks came as he addressed questions about a New York Times report suggesting that he secretly approved CIA operations aimed at undermining Maduro’s leadership. “I authorised it for two reasons really,” Trump said, repeating accusations that Maduro runs a ‘narco-terrorist regime’ and has sent prisoners to the United States.
When asked if he had specifically given the CIA permission to “take out” Maduro, Trump avoided a direct answer, remarking, “Wouldn’t it be a ridiculous question for me to answer?”
The former president went on to say that the United States was considering expanding its military campaign against alleged Venezuelan drug cartels—from maritime strikes to land-based operations. “We’ve got the sea very well under control. We’re certainly looking at land now,” he told reporters.
At least 27 people have been killed so far in these US-led operations, raising serious questions about the legality of such actions under international law, particularly when suspects were neither intercepted nor questioned before lethal force was used.
Maduro, in an impassioned address, condemned Trump’s comments and ordered military exercises across Venezuela, including in major urban and coastal areas. “No to war in the Caribbean. No to regime change. No to coups d’état orchestrated by the CIA,” he declared, mobilising the army, police, and civilian militias to defend the nation.
Under mounting pressure, Maduro has continued to deny US allegations of drug trafficking, calling them politically motivated attempts to justify foreign aggression. Meanwhile, Washington’s bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest has been doubled to US$50 million, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
In a dramatic twist, US-backed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—a vocal critic of Maduro—was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her role in promoting peaceful resistance. In a move that reignited controversy, Machado publicly dedicated her award to Trump, who had previously sought the accolade for himself.
As the world watches closely, the crisis in Venezuela once again highlights the fragile balance between global politics, sovereignty, and foreign influence. Behind every headline and every order lies the human cost of power struggles—families displaced, soldiers on alert, and a nation caught in the crossfire of international ambition.