U.S. Designates Venezuela’s Maduro As Terrorist As Military Buildup Grows

The Trump administration has formally designated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and allied officials as members of a foreign terrorist organization. The label, applied to the so-called “Cartel de los Soles,” expands President Donald Trump’s authority to impose new sanctions and potentially take more aggressive action against the regime.

Washington's designation of an alleged Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) takes effect on Monday, opening the door to new forms of US pressure on President Nicolas Maduro ➡️ https://t.co/VbVG1pqatu pic.twitter.com/nqUBvjTJNy

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 23, 2025

Legal experts note it does not explicitly authorize lethal force, though administration officials argue it opens the door to wider military options.

The designation comes as the U.S. positions over a dozen warships and 15,000 troops in the region under “Operation Southern Spear,” an anti-drug-trafficking campaign that has already carried out lethal strikes.

Trump has been briefed on possible actions inside Venezuela, including targeted strikes and special operations raids.

Despite the buildup, Trump says he is open to diplomacy and believes pressure may push Maduro to step down. Polling shows 70% of Americans oppose military action.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff