President Donald Trump has not yet decided whether to launch military strikes inside Venezuela, according to a White House official and a senior U.S. official cited by CNN.
The United States has deployed significant force to the region, including its most advanced aircraft carrier and 15,000 personnel, as Washington seeks to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down without direct combat.
Trump reviewed military options on three consecutive days last week. Plans range from targeted strikes on military or government sites to special operations missions. He has also considered taking no action.
Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro breaks into singing John Lennon's 'Imagine' as he talks about US tensions. pic.twitter.com/R270tpM5AF
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 16, 2025
Officials say Trump has raised concerns about the risks to U.S. troops and questioned the likelihood of success. The president is also sensitive to criticism that he is too focused on foreign crises instead of domestic issues.
The administration had previously halted diplomatic outreach after Maduro refused to consider leaving power, but Trump now believes a new diplomatic window may be opening.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
