Venezuela's Crucible: Trump's Strategic Push in the Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Venezuela, aiming to address narcoterrorism and revive the Monroe Doctrine to curb Chinese and Russian influence. Notably, the U.S. strategy includes targeting Maduro's ties with drug cartels and leveraging Venezuela's oil resources to shift geopolitical loyalties in the region.

The Trump administration is ramping up its strategic efforts in Venezuela, with a focus on addressing narcoterrorism and reinforcing the Monroe Doctrine to limit Chinese and Russian presence in the Western Hemisphere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are briefing U.S. lawmakers on the administration's ambiguous strategy.

A central element of this pressure campaign is targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's alleged involvement with drug cartels. The administration has designated certain gangs as terrorist organizations and indicted Maduro on narcoterrorism charges. These measures align with the U.S.'s classification of the region as a drug trafficking transit point, excluding fentanyl.

Also on the strategic table is Venezuela's vast oil reserves, seen by President Trump as leverage in geopolitical negotiations. Despite facing strict U.S. sanctions, Venezuela maintains energy deals with global rivals like China and Russia, prompting American interest in transforming regional allegiances to bolster U.S. influence and resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)