WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s latest moves to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and cartel networks amid a major military show of force.
American B-52 bombers were spotted flying off the coast of Venezuela this week in what officials described as a show of force authorized by President Donald Trump. The move comes as U.S. forces reportedly intercepted a drug-trafficking vessel in the region and as the White House confirmed that the president had approved limited CIA operations inside Venezuela.
During a recent media appearance, President Trump emphasized the administration’s intent to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying that the regime had “offered everything” to avoid confrontation with the United States. The statement follows increased U.S. involvement in counter-narcotics operations and efforts to support Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado.
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, praised the administration’s actions, calling the operation a “historic moment” aimed at freeing the region from what she described as “criminal elements.”
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Salazar expressed hope that Maduro would agree to a peaceful transition of power, saying that Venezuela’s oil wealth should be managed by a democratic government. “This country has the largest oil reserves in the world,” she said. “Those resources need to be in the hands of a legitimate, democratic leadership.”
Reports from Caracas suggest that Maduro’s government has been attempting to maintain control through the military, though his international support has weakened. Diplomatic sources indicated that Russian personnel have recently departed Venezuela, signaling declining foreign backing for the regime.
U.S. military sources confirmed that naval assets — including special operations units — remain active in the Caribbean. While no timeline has been given, Salazar predicted that significant political change in Venezuela could occur before the end of the year.
She also noted that opposition leader María Corina Machado has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, expressing hope that she might receive the award in Oslo with President Trump in attendance.
“This administration is showing unprecedented resolve in confronting narco-dictatorships in our hemisphere,” Salazar said.
A senior U.S. defense official confirmed that elements of the U.S. Navy’s Caribbean task force remain active in the area, supported by intelligence aircraft and special operations teams. While no direct military engagement has been reported, the official described the situation as “fluid and closely monitored.”
Salazar predicted that change could come before the end of the year. “The writing is on the wall for Maduro,” she said. “The opposition is gaining ground, and the international community is rallying behind the cause of Venezuelan democracy.”
Salazar added that opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been in hiding since contesting Maduro’s rule, remains the legitimate representative of Venezuela’s elected government. She said U.S. support for the opposition includes coordination with allies in Latin America and Europe, as well as enhanced intelligence operations in the region.
Diplomatic observers note that Maduro’s international backing has weakened considerably in recent months. Russian diplomatic personnel have reportedly withdrawn from Caracas, and several Latin American governments have expressed quiet support for U.S.-led efforts to pressure the regime.
Machado, the opposition figurehead, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Salazar expressed hope that she might be able to attend the ceremony in Oslo later this year, possibly accompanied by President Trump.
“The president has shown courage and determination,” Salazar added. “This is the kind of leadership needed to end decades of dictatorship, corruption, and narco-politics in our hemisphere.”
The White House has not commented on whether additional measures are planned, but U.S. officials have reiterated that all options remain “on the table” to ensure a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela.