US Increases Military Pressure Against Maduro Regime in Venezuela

The Trump administration in 2025 has escalated military and political pressure on Venezuela, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking but with broader implications of regime change against President Nicolás Maduro. Initial softer approaches by President Trump, influenced by pro-oil interests, shifted after pushback from Florida's Cuban and Venezuelan communities and Senator Marco Rubio, leading to increased war rhetoric and military actions including bombing alleged drug trafficking boats. U.S. military presence near Venezuela intensified with warships, aircraft carriers, and thousands of troops, raising fears among Venezuelans of potential invasion and contributing to widespread unease and instability in the country. Maduro's regime, characterized by autocratic consolidation, human rights abuses, and economic collapse with soaring poverty and inflation, faces accusations from U.S. officials of being a criminal organization allied with strategic competitors. Venezuelan citizens express anxiety over U.S. tactics, viewing the pressure as abusive while also fearing the consequences of conflict, amid a rare journalistic glimpse into life under Maduro's rule. The U.S. campaign combines counter-narcotics efforts with strategic goals to weaken Maduro's hold on power, reflecting complex domestic and international political dynamics for President Trump.