WILLEMSTAD – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he does not need approval from Congress to carry out military attacks on land targets in Venezuela, including operations aimed at drug cartels.
Responding to a reporter’s question about whether he would seek congressional authorization before ordering strikes against drug trafficking groups inside Venezuela, Trump said such approval was not necessary. He described the matter as “not a big deal” and stated that he would not be required to inform Congress before initiating attacks.
Expanded U.S. Military Operations
The remarks come amid an escalation of U.S. military activity in the region. Since September, the United States has carried out multiple airstrikes against what it describes as suspected drug-smuggling vessels in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. According to available information, these operations have resulted in at least 99 deaths.
U.S. authorities have framed the campaign as part of a broader effort to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks operating in and around Venezuela.
Caracas Rejects U.S. Narrative
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly rejected Washington’s justification, claiming that the U.S. campaign is not about combating drug trafficking, but rather about regime change.
Maduro has repeatedly accused the United States of using anti-narcotics operations as a pretext to increase military pressure on his government and undermine Venezuelan sovereignty.
Regional Implications
Trump’s comments are likely to intensify concerns across the Caribbean and Latin America, particularly as U.S. military operations expand closer to Venezuelan territory. The statement also raises questions about the scope of presidential war powers and the potential for further escalation in an already tense regional environment.
For countries in the southern Caribbean, including Curaçao, the developments are being closely monitored due to their potential impact on regional security, air and maritime traffic, and geopolitical stability.