President Donald Trump has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to pursue covert actions against Venezuela, escalating the Trump administration’s pressure campaign on the country’s government. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, which has seen increasing diplomatic and economic pressure from Washington. The move marks a significant development in the ongoing standoff between the two nations, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
The administration’s next phase of its strategy against the Maduro government could include a range of tactics, including sabotage, cyber operations, or psychological and information warfare. These covert measures are part of a broader effort to undermine the legitimacy of the Maduro administration and support opposition movements within the country. At the same time, the Trump administration has opened back-channel communications with the Venezuelan government, indicating a potential shift in strategy that may seek to negotiate a resolution to the crisis.
Analysts suggest that these actions reflect a complex interplay of political and strategic considerations, as the U.S. seeks to balance direct confrontation with an approach that may involve diplomatic engagement. The authorization of covert operations highlights the administration’s willingness to employ aggressive measures in its foreign policy, while the reopened communications suggest a desire to explore alternative solutions to the crisis in Venezuela.