Today in Focus Is Trump going to war with Venezuela?
Nov 13, 2025
Andrew Roth, Global affairs correspondent at The Guardian, and Tom Phillips, their Latin America correspondent, dive into the complexities of U.S. military posture towards Venezuela. They discuss the intentions behind Trump’s military buildup, including questionable justifications related to drug trafficking. Phillips highlights Venezuela's corruption and economic collapse, while Roth speculates on the political maneuvering within the White House pushing for action. The conversation reveals fears of regional backlash and concerns about forced military interventions.
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Boat Strike Echoed Past US Wars
- The strikes began with a single aerial attack that killed dozens and recalled US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Andrew Roth warns this marks a shift toward using military force in the Western Hemisphere.
From Guaidó Backing To Covert Talks
- Trump first backed Juan Guaidó and later explored secret talks for a negotiated Maduro exit.
- Andrew Roth says failed opposition efforts pushed Trump toward harder tactics like military pressure.
Largest Caribbean Buildup Since 1962
- The US has mounted its largest Caribbean military buildup since the Cuban Missile Crisis with carriers, troops, drones and bombers.
- Andrew Roth stresses the scale as unprecedented in recent decades for the region.