U.S. military action regarding Venezuela has been a topic of discussion for years, particularly under the influence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The pressure is now reaching a critical point as President Donald Trump prepares to meet Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other senior aides to discuss the next steps in addressing the escalating crisis involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This meeting comes amid intensifying military activity in the region as the administration ramps up its economic and diplomatic measures against Caracas.
Concerns have been raised by some lawmakers about a potential land conflict in Venezuela, especially with voices in Florida, where Rubio has significant support, calling for intervention. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar recently stated that the U.S. is “about to go all in” as the situation grows more tense. Earlier fears regarding a potential war with Iran did not come to fruition, but did include significant military actions against its nuclear ambitions.
Rubio’s track record shows a long-standing commitment to interventionist foreign policies. His previous support for military actions includes backing the NATO-led air campaign against Libya in 2011 and advocating for a No-Fly Zone in Syria in 2015, actions that could have involved direct confrontations with hostile foreign powers. His views on Venezuela echo this aggressive stance; he has indicated that military intervention could be warranted due to the growing threats posed by the Maduro government.
In a 2018 interview, Rubio expressed that while he initially sought a non-military solution to Venezuela’s issues, he believes the Maduro regime represents a significant regional threat. He has voiced his concerns regarding the Venezuelan government’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking and terrorism, with Maduro’s administration consistently denying these accusations.
The situation has escalated following the U.S. State Department’s designation of the Venezuela-based cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization late last year. U.S. officials have purported that this group has provided support to recognized terrorist organizations—a claim that Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Pinto Gil has labeled as a “ridiculous fabrication” meant to justify military intervention.
Additionally, since September, the U.S. has conducted numerous targeted strikes against suspected drug trafficking operations, resulting in significant casualties. The legality of these military actions has raised eyebrows among political leaders across party lines in Washington.
With the growing U.S. military footprint in the region—including the deployment of an aircraft carrier and supplementary warships—the Trump administration’s approach towards Venezuela appears increasingly assertive. This ongoing situation mirrors the historical challenges faced by multiple presidential administrations aiming to mitigate the influence of the Maduro regime and restore stability to the region.