US Deploys Nuclear Submarine, Warships Near Venezuela to Pressure Maduro

President Donald Trump has deployed a significant U.S. Navy task force, including destroyers, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, and thousands of Marines, to the Caribbean near Venezuela as part of an intensified campaign against drug trafficking and to pressure Nicolás Maduro's regime. The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the 'Cartel of the Suns,' a narcotics trafficking organization linked to the Venezuelan military and government officials, and has offered a $50 million reward for his arrest. While the official U.S. rationale emphasizes combating drug smuggling, the deployment also serves as a strategic move to weaken Maduro's government without initiating a full-scale invasion, which is considered unlikely due to political and military constraints. In response, Maduro called for nationwide enlistment in the Bolivarian Militia, with many Venezuelans signing up to defend the country amidst heightened tensions and accusations of U.S. attempts at regime change. Regional reactions vary, with some opposition leaders supporting the U.S. stance and others cautioning against military intervention, while some neighboring countries reject U.S. claims and oppose foreign interference. Legal experts have raised concerns that the Trump administration may bypass congressional approval, raising questions about the constitutional implications of the naval deployments.