Trump on Maduro: not talking about regime change

Trump on Maduro: not talking about regime change

US President Donald Trump's administration has denied allegations that its recent naval deployment near Venezuela is aimed at regime change, despite Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's claims to the contrary. According to a US official, the deployment is part of a broader effort to combat Latin American drug cartels, with a focus on the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into US communities.

Maduro, in a series of rare remarks to reporters on Monday, accused the US of seeking a regime change through military threats. He stated that Venezuela is prepared to defend itself against any US attack and pledged to declare a "republic in arms" if necessary [1]. The Venezuelan leader has also deployed troops and urged citizens to join armed militias to defend the nation [2].

The US Navy has sent two Aegis-guided missile destroyers, the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham, along with the destroyer USS Sampson and the cruiser USS Lake Erie, to the Caribbean. Additionally, three amphibious assault ships with over 4,000 sailors and Marines are expected to enter the region this week [2]. However, a US official has stated that there are no plans to deploy personnel to Venezuelan soil.

Trump's administration has accused Maduro of close connections to drug trafficking and criminal organizations, but has not provided concrete evidence to support these allegations. Despite his frequent rhetoric against US intervention in Latin America, Maduro has previously expressed interest in cooperating with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement [1].

Maduro's latest comments have sparked concerns about the potential escalation of tensions between the two countries. The US, for its part, has maintained that its actions are solely aimed at combating the drug trade and that it has no plans for regime change in Venezuela. However, Maduro's response has led to widespread speculation about the true intentions behind the US naval deployment.

The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with the country's political and economic stability under significant strain. The ongoing conflict between the government and the opposition, as well as the humanitarian crisis, have drawn international attention and concern. The US's military actions in the region have added a new layer of complexity to this already delicate situation.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/1/maduro-says-us-naval-forces-aimed-at-regime-change-in-venezuela
[2] https://sg.news.yahoo.com/maduro-accuses-trump-administration-pursuing-031511708.html