Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has avoided confirming or denying potential U.S. military operations targeting Venezuela, maintaining secrecy around possible strikes. In a recent appearance at an ASEAN defense ministers gathering, Hegseth was asked whether the United States was preparing for strikes inside Venezuela but sidestepped the question, emphasizing operational confidentiality. The U.S. military has previously executed multiple strikes on drug-smuggling vessels near Venezuela, with the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group now deployed to the Southern Command region, signaling heightened tensions. These actions have intensified speculation about potential U.S. involvement in a possible regime change in Venezuela, targeting President Nicolás Maduro. However, the U.S. has officially dismissed any such plans, with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplaying reports of internal strikes.
Meanwhile, the government shutdown has disrupted the payment of U.S. troops, prompting a significant $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and major financial backer of President Donald Trump. Hegseth criticized Democrats for their role in delaying the government reopening, while praising the efforts of Republican allies in ensuring troops receive timely pay. The shutdown, stemming from a failed spending agreement in late 2025, has highlighted the financial and operational strains on the U.S. military, with Mellon’s contribution underscoring the extent of private support for military funding.
The situation reflects broader political tensions, with Hegseth aligning with conservative priorities, emphasizing readiness, and criticizing Democratic obstructionism. The military’s focus on regional security, particularly in the South China Sea, further demonstrates the administration’s strategic posturing. While the U.S. military has not confirmed a direct intervention in Venezuela, the combination of past strikes, current deployments, and the ongoing government standoff underscores the complex interplay of domestic and foreign policy challenges under the Trump administration.