In a sharp turn, President Trump publicly blasted Venezuela’s leader following a U.S. operation that destroyed a suspected drug submarine, an action that has left two survivors and stirred discord among his own advisors.
The raid, carried out in Caribbean waters, was intended to strike at narcotics trafficking networks. Officials confirmed that while several crew were killed, two individuals were captured and are now in U.S. custody.
Trump’s scathing remarks came amid hesitation within his cabinet, with some members reportedly uneasy over legal, tactical, and diplomatic consequences. His blunt public rebuke of President Nicolás Maduro underscored growing frustration over perceived state complicity in smuggling operations.
Still, Trump maintained that decisive force is necessary. He warned that any further complicity from Venezuela will be met with even stronger responses, as the U.S. continues to escalate pressure along its southern approaches.