President Donald Trump is reportedly intensifying militarization both domestically and internationally, with plans to request a $1.5 trillion defense budget for the next fiscal year, marking a 66% increase over the previously authorized budget. This proposed budget increase aligns with a broader strategy that prioritizes military action and enforcement over diplomatic solutions.

In tandem, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is investing $100 million in what it terms 'wartime recruitment' to hire an additional 10,000 agents, supplementing the existing 20,000. This recruitment effort is targeting individuals with military backgrounds or interests, including those engaged with right-wing media and attending events like Ultimate Fighting Championship matches or NASCAR races. ICE's messaging emphasizes a 'sacred duty' to defend the homeland against perceived threats.

The administration's approach suggests a convergence of domestic and foreign policy characterized by a reliance on force and intimidation rather than negotiation or compromise. Critics argue that such militaristic policies may serve to consolidate power and distract from pressing social issues, including economic inequality and systemic injustice.

In the context of Venezuela, Trump is facing potential congressional pushback regarding his military actions. A significant Senate vote is imminent that seeks to restrict Trump's ability to conduct military operations in Venezuela without congressional approval. In response, Trump and his administration are actively reaching out to Republican senators to consolidate support, particularly those who have previously expressed dissent.

Senator Josh Hawley, one of the Republican senators who opposed Trump in a procedural vote, is reportedly reconsidering his stance after discussions with Trump and other officials. The outcome of the Senate vote is critical, as it could either reinforce or challenge Trump's military authority. If the resolution passes, it would primarily serve as a symbolic gesture, with House Democrats planning to introduce a similar measure shortly thereafter.

In a controversial move, Trump shared a fabricated Wikipedia page on his Truth Social platform, designating himself as the 'Acting President of Venezuela.' This action followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, with Maduro and his wife currently detained in Brooklyn, New York, facing charges related to narco-terrorism. Despite his arrest, Maduro maintains that he is the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

Following Maduro's removal, Trump indicated that the U.S. would oversee the country until a 'safe, proper and judicious transition' could be established, implying a potential long-term U.S. presence. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. does not plan to engage in direct governance but will instead exert economic pressure through sanctions and an oil 'quarantine' to influence Venezuela's political landscape.

Protests erupted in Caracas, with thousands of Maduro supporters denouncing U.S. actions as violations of national sovereignty and labeling them as 'colonial aggression.' Rodríguez, who has assumed leadership following Maduro's capture, has publicly rejected the notion that the U.S. is controlling Venezuela, asserting her government's sovereignty. Nevertheless, reports indicate that she is negotiating with the Trump administration to avert further military actions, following Trump's threats of significant consequences if U.S. demands are not met.

Critics, including Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), have condemned Trump's self-declaration as 'acting president' while neglecting domestic issues affecting American families. The U.S. approach to Venezuela has been described by some as an extortion scheme, suggesting that the administration's demands for oil in exchange for political support reflect a troubling dynamic in international relations.