Donald Trump has asserted he will halt the flow of drugs from Venezuela “by land” in the “very soon” future, signaling a potential escalation of U.S.counter-narcotics strategy focused on the South American nation. The former president made the declaration during a Univision News interview, offering few specifics but framing the move as a direct response to the ongoing narcotics trade.
This pledge arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Venezuela’s alleged role in facilitating drug trafficking to the United States, and as the Biden governance continues to grapple with record overdose deaths fueled by fentanyl and other illicit substances. A land-based intervention, should it materialize, would represent a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela, possibly impacting regional stability and diplomatic relations. The Dominican Republic recently authorized the temporary use of its airport and an air base for U.S. anti-drug operations,while Trinidad and Tobago has been engaged in regional security discussions with U.S. officials. Both nations have publicly expressed support for Washington’s anti-narcotics efforts.
Trump did not detail the mechanics of how he would stop the drug flow, but indicated a firm intention to act. The declaration follows years of accusations leveled against the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro, alleging complicity with drug cartels operating within its borders. The U.S. government has previously sanctioned Venezuelan officials accused of involvement in drug trafficking.
Recent discussions between U.S. and Caribbean leaders underscore the growing regional concern over narcotics. Dan Caine, the Chief of the General Staff, recently met with Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to address regional security issues. These meetings highlight a collaborative effort to combat drug trafficking across the Caribbean, a key transit route for narcotics destined for the united States.
