US President Donald Trump has authorized covert operations by the CIA against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government, according to the New York Times. This comes as part of a broader US strategy to exert military, psychological, and information pressure on the Maduro regime. While Trump has rejected Maduro’s offer to step down, the White House has resumed back-channel negotiations, with Maduro indicating willingness to grant US energy companies access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. The Pentagon has deployed warships to the Caribbean and authorized controversial strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
The National Security Council has been actively involved in planning these operations, with military planners compiling lists of alleged drug facilities and considering strikes on military units aligned with Maduro. According to the outlet, Trump convened two meetings in the White House Situation Room last week to discuss Venezuela and evaluate strategies with his senior advisers. While instructing the CIA to prepare covert operations, Trump simultaneously resumed back-channel negotiations with Maduro after briefly pausing talks last month, sources familiar with the situation told the outlet.
During these informal discussions, Maduro has reportedly indicated a willingness to grant US energy companies access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. Trump acknowledged the negotiations on Sunday, stating,