US–Venezuela Tensions Escalate: What to Know

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached their highest point in decades, as the Trump administration intensifies its military and counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean while signaling that direct talks—and even direct military action—remain on the table. The showdown is the product of years of deteriorating relations, disputed elections, drug-trafficking allegations, and increasing U.S. pressure aimed at weakening Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s hold on power. Here’s what to know about the rapidly evolving situation. Years of Tension Come to a Head The United States and much of the international community view Maduro’s presidency as illegitimate, citing evidence that his 2024 reelection—his third term—was marred by fraud and manipulation, while accusing Venezuela’s socialist regime of human rights abuses....