Trump administration authorized CIA covert action in Venezuela

The Trump administration has granted the Central Intelligence Agency secret authorization to conduct covert operations in Venezuela as part of efforts to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro's government. According to a New York Times report citing anonymous US officials, the classified "presidential finding" permits the intelligence agency to carry out lethal operations in Venezuela and conduct various missions throughout the Caribbean region.

Covert operations authority

The authorization enables CIA operatives to conduct missions either independently or in coordination with broader military operations, though it remains unclear whether specific missions have been initiated under this directive. Officials suggested the authorization could represent contingency planning rather than active operations, with neither the White House nor CIA offering public commentary regarding the classified directive's existence or implementation status.

Military buildup and strike planning

The covert action authorization coincides with substantial US military deployments to the Caribbean, including approximately 10,000 troops primarily stationed in Puerto Rico, multiple naval warships, and submarine positioning. Military officials confirmed the United States has developed plans for potential strikes within Venezuelan territory, with CNN reporting at least one recent US military operation in the Caribbean targeted Colombian nationals aboard a vessel departing from Colombia.

Diplomatic context

President Donald Trump reportedly terminated diplomatic communications with Maduro's government earlier this month following frustration with the Venezuelan leader's refusal to relinquish power voluntarily. The administration's authorization of covert CIA operations represents an escalation in longstanding US efforts to pressure Maduro's government amid Venezuela's continuing political and economic crisis.