Washington–Caracas Relations Enter a New Phase
The already strained relationship between Washington and Caracas has entered a new and volatile phase. In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled the bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, expanded military operations near Venezuelan waters, and made symbolic changes in U.S. defense policy — moves that critics say point toward a push for regime change.
💰 $50 Million Bounty on Maduro
* The U.S. Department of Justice recently increased its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest from $25 million to $50 million.
* Washington accuses Maduro of being one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers.
* U.S. officials allege that Maduro works with Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.
* Assets worth over $700 million linked to Maduro have already been seized by U.S. authorities.
🚢 Military Escalation in the Caribbean
* The U.S. has deployed warships, submarines, and fighter jets to the southern Caribbean, citing the need to combat drug cartels operating from Venezuela.
* A recent U.S. strike on a boat allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela killed 11 people.
* President Maduro has declared a state of “maximum readiness” and mobilized troops along the coast.
* Analysts warn this military build-up could be a prelude to direct intervention.
🏛️ From “Defense” to “War” — A Symbolic Shift
* In a controversial move, Trump has renamed the U.S. Department of Defense to the Department of War, framing it as a return to “honest language” about America’s military role.
* Supporters say it reflects a more aggressive stance against threats.
* Critics argue it signals a dangerous normalization of perpetual conflict.
🎯 Regime Change Accusations
* While Trump denies seeking regime change, Venezuelan officials insist U.S. military presence and sanctions are aimed at removing Maduro from power.
* Maduro has called the U.S. build-up “the largest threat to Venezuela in 100 years.”
* Caracas has petitioned the United Nations to demand an end to U.S. deployments in the region.
🌍 Global Reactions and Risks
* Latin American neighbors are wary of instability spilling across borders.
* Human rights groups warn recent U.S. strikes may violate international law.
* Oil markets are on alert, as Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest crude reserves.
📝 Conclusion
The U.S.–Venezuela standoff is escalating on multiple fronts — legal, military, and symbolic. Whether this leads to negotiations or deeper confrontation will depend on the coming weeks, as both sides show no signs of backing down.
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