White House Dismisses Reports of Imminent U.S. Strikes on Venezuela Military Targets
WASHINGTON — The White House has cast doubt on recent media reports suggesting the Trump administration is preparing to strike military targets within Venezuela. While President Donald Trump has repeatedly indicated his willingness to take military action against the nation, the White House has emphasized that any formal announcement regarding such strikes would be made directly by the President. This comes as reports from outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Miami Herald have suggested the administration has identified specific targets for potential strikes, though no formal decision has been announced.
The reports, which were based on anonymous sources, claim the Trump administration has identified military sites in Venezuela that are suspected of being used to transport drugs. These targets, according to the sources, are being used by the regime of President Nicolás Maduro, which the administration has labeled as a narco-trafficking network. The White House, however, has denied the immediacy of any such strikes, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating that the administration would not confirm such plans without official approval.
President Trump, during a press briefing on Air Force One, reiterated his stance that the administration is prepared for the possibility of taking military action against Venezuela. This comes after a series of statements where he has accused Maduro of endangering the United States by supporting drug cartels. The Trump administration has also increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, offering a $50 million bounty for his capture, with the rationale that he is a major narco-trafficker.
The increased military presence in the region has also drawn significant attention, as the U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to support ongoing operations against drug trafficking networks. According to senior military analyst Brent Sadler, the deployment of this carrier signals an escalation in the administration’s strategy to counter these threats.
Maduro has responded to the mounting pressure with accusations that the Trump administration is fabricating a new form of perpetual war. During a national broadcast, he called out the U.S. for its alleged attempts to provoke conflict with Venezuela, stating,