Trump Says War With Venezuela Still on the Table

President Donald Trump is not ruling out military conflict with Venezuela, escalating tensions in a region already gripped by political chaos and cartel-linked corruption. In a Thursday phone interview with NBC News, the president made it clear “I don’t rule it out, no.”

This comes after Trump launched what he called a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuela, targeting sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or exit the socialist dictatorship. The move marks one of the most aggressive U.S. foreign policy maneuvers in recent history and has already resulted in the largest naval buildup South America has ever seen, according to the president.

“Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It will only get bigger... Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us.”

Trump’s stance signals a zero-tolerance approach toward the illegitimate Maduro regime, which he has repeatedly accused of operating as a narco-terrorist state.

Here’s what’s unfolding:

• Dozens of Venezuelan vessels have been destroyed as part of U.S. airstrikes targeting so-called “drug boats.”

• Over 100 smugglers have been eliminated through precision operations carried out by U.S. forces in the region.

• The U.S. seized the largest Venezuelan oil tanker ever last week, with more seizures expected.

• Trump has placed a $50 million bounty on dictator Nicolás Maduro, labeling him a terrorist leader of the Cartel de los Soles.

• Belarus has reportedly offered sanctuary to Maduro, if he buckles under pressure.

Though Trump declined to confirm whether full-scale war is imminent, he made it clear that continued resistance from Venezuela will be met with force.

“If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbors,” he warned.

This isn’t just about oil or borders. Trump views the Maduro regime as a direct threat to U.S. national security, accusing them of harboring terrorists, trafficking drugs, and weaponizing energy as leverage.

The Biden administration failed to stop Venezuela’s descent into chaos. Under their watch, socialist policies crippled the country while millions fled the failed state, flooding across U.S. borders under broken asylum policies. The result? Increased cartel influence and unchecked smuggling routes many of which run straight into our southern border.

Trump's aggressive stance may finally be the course correction the region needs.

Though he hasn't confirmed whether he seeks to remove Maduro directly, the message is crystal clear Trump wants justice, and Maduro knows it.

“He knows exactly what I want,” Trump said. “He knows better than anybody.”

While Democrats and globalists panic over diplomacy, Trump is reminding the world what peace through strength really looks like.

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