USS Gerald Ford Arrives as Trump Considers Action Against Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) — The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier has recently arrived in the Caribbean, enhancing the United States’ military presence near Venezuela. President Donald Trump indicated that he has not ruled out sending troops to Venezuela, emphasizing a crackdown on narcotics trafficking linked to the Venezuelan government.

On Monday, Trump stated, “I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything,” when asked about military options concerning Venezuela. This remarks come in conjunction with growing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has accused the U.S. of planning a military intervention.

The U.S. has intensified its military operations in the region, conducting over 21 strikes on drug trafficking vessels since September. The latest strike occurred just days after the USS Gerald Ford’s arrival. The operation aims to curb drug flows that officials claim have contributed to security issues in the United States.

Trump mentioned that Maduro has expressed an interest in dialogue, saying, “Yeah, I probably would talk to him. Yeah, I talked to everybody.” This comment raises questions about potential diplomatic paths amidst military preparations.

The Secretary of State has announced that a cartel associated with Maduro, known as the Cartel de los Soles, will soon be designated a foreign terrorist organization. This designation aims to apply further pressure on Maduro’s administration.

In recent remarks, Trump tied Maduro to the higher influx of migrants from Venezuela and criticized his regime’s impact on both Venezuela and the U.S. “He has not been good to the United States, so we’ll see what happens,” he stated.

Analysts have expressed skepticism about any forthcoming negotiations, stating that the U.S. seems poised to negotiate from a position of strength, possibly aiming for regime change in Venezuela. The focus appears to be on a strategy that combines military readiness with potential diplomatic overtures.

As the situation evolves, Venezuelans in the capital, Caracas, have mixed feelings about the prospect of dialogue. Shopkeeper Gustavo García expressed skepticism, saying, “They’ve gotten us used to them talking, but they don’t honor the agreements.” Meanwhile, Mery Martínez hoped for peaceful solutions, stating, “Anything that helps prevent a tragedy is good.”