President Donald Trump has denied reports of U.S. B-1 bombers flying near Venezuela, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. During a White House roundtable on immigration and crime crackdowns, Trump dismissed the media’s claims, asserting that the deployment was inaccurate. He reiterated the U.S. position against Venezuela’s drug-related activities and the illicit transport of prisoners into the country.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, present during the Q&A session with reporters, did not correct the president despite the discrepancies in the report. In a broader context, Trump highlighted the U.S. military’s increased operations against drug trafficking, including a recent lethal kinetic strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel, which resulted in three fatalities. This incident is part of a series of vessel strikes since September, indicating a continued escalation in the fight against drug smuggling.
Trump remained defiant in his stance, stating that a formal declaration of war against cartels was not necessary. Instead, he emphasized the military’s role in eliminating drug traffickers, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of current measures. The administration’s focus on both military action and legislative strategy underscores the deepening conflict over drug-related security challenges.