On November 15, 2025, President Donald Trump indicated that he is nearing a decision regarding military operations in Venezuela, following extensive briefings from senior military officials. Discussions have focused on various strategies, including potential land strikes aimed at ousting President Nicolás Maduro, who has been accused by the U.S. government of collaborating with criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking, allegations that Maduro has denied.

The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, deploying over a dozen warships and approximately 15,000 troops as part of 'Operation Southern Spear.' The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has been positioned in the area, joining other naval assets and fighter jets stationed in Puerto Rico. This escalation has raised concerns about the implications of increased military operations in Latin America.

During a recent flight aboard Air Force One, Trump noted a preliminary decision regarding the U.S. approach to Venezuela, although specific details were not disclosed. High-level discussions at the White House have included key officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In recent months, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in numerous casualties. However, some Western European nations have expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. claims, citing a lack of direct evidence linking Maduro to drug cartels. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized U.S. military actions as potential violations of international law, particularly given France's interests in the Caribbean region.

Experts caution that any attempt at regime change in Venezuela could lead to significant instability and would require a substantial commitment from the U.S. Previous efforts to support opposition leader Juan Guaidó have not resulted in a successful transfer of power. Maduro has warned that U.S. military intervention could have severe consequences, drawing parallels to past conflicts in Gaza, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Additionally, some officials within the Republican Party have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of sustained military support for opposition forces in Venezuela, suggesting that public sentiment may not favor further military engagement in the region.