Top Trump Aides Intensify Push to Oust Maduro from Venezuela

Top aides to President Trump are intensifying efforts to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, according to U.S. officials. Administration officials are discussing a broad campaign that would escalate military pressure to force Maduro out.

The initiative is being led by Marco Rubio, who serves as the secretary of state and national security adviser. Rubio contends that Maduro is an illegitimate leader who facilitates the export of drugs to the United States, which he claims poses an “imminent threat.”

In recent weeks, the U.S. military has conducted lethal attacks on civilian boats that the administration alleges were involved in drug smuggling for Venezuelan gangs. Rubio is advocating for a more aggressive strategy, utilizing intelligence from the CIA. The Pentagon has reportedly increased its military presence in the region, building up a force of more than 6,500 troops.

For further context on U.S. involvement in Venezuela, see recent developments regarding Venezuelan opposition leaders meeting with U.S. officials to oust Maduro.