Senator Rubio‘s Influence Shapes Trump’s Hardening Stance on venezuela
For months, Senator Marco Rubio has been a key driver in escalating concerns within former President Trump’s orbit regarding Venezuela, culminating in a significant shift towards potential military action. While initial justifications focused on the alleged threat posed by the criminal gang “Tren de Aragua,” Rubio successfully framed the situation as a national security issue directly linked to the Maduro regime.
rubio’s strategy centered on portraying Tren de Aragua as a major threat to the U.S., despite evidence suggesting the gang does not traffic fentanyl and that only a small percentage of cocaine reaching the U.S. – approximately 8% according to the Drug Enforcement Governance – transits through Venezuelan territory.Still, this narrative gained traction.
In July, trump declared Tren de Aragua a terrorist group led by Maduro and subsequently ordered the Pentagon to prepare for military force against designated terrorist cartels. This directive led to the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops, alongside naval vessels and aircraft, to the caribbean. The administration has since authorized strikes on five boats off the Venezuelan coast, claiming the occupants were “narco-terrorists,” though no supporting evidence has been publicly released.
Veteran diplomat Elliott abrams, who previously served as special envoy to Venezuela during Trump’s first term, anticipates further limited strikes within Venezuela, characterizing them as a low-risk operation for the U.S. Abrams suggested a potential, though unacknowledged, goal of sparking a coup against maduro.
However, legal scholars and foreign policy experts caution against escalation. John Yoo, a law professor and former advisor to the George W. Bush administration,emphasized the need for a clearly defined objective,questioning whether the aim is simply to remove Maduro or establish a democratic government. Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow at Chatham House, warned of a “slippery slope” that could draw the U.S. into a wider conflict, notably given the proximity of the two militaries.
The potential for instability following Maduro’s removal is also a concern. Venezuela is fractured by numerous armed groups involved in illicit activities, with little incentive to disarm. Furthermore, the Venezuelan opposition remains divided, with multiple potential leaders vying for power, including María Corina machado, who publicly dedicated her Nobel Prize to Trump in an effort to secure his support.
Supporters of a change in leadership, like Juan Fernandez, argue that any option is preferable to the current situation marked by mass emigration, economic hardship, and political repression. Fernandez credited Rubio with bringing the Venezuela issue to a critical juncture,highlighting Trump’s personal connection to a country with a history of authoritarianism as a key factor in his responsiveness.
(This report is based on facts presented in the provided article and contains no fabricated or speculative content.)
