Big Take What’s Trump’s Venezuela Endgame?
6 snips
Nov 7, 2025 
Nick Wadhams, a Bloomberg national security reporter, and Becca Wasser, defense lead at Bloomberg Economics, dive into the escalating U.S. military actions off Venezuela's coast. They analyze the Trump administration's rationale for targeting narco-traffickers, questioning the legitimacy of these claims. Wadhams discusses the implications for Maduro's regime, while Wasser outlines military options, from covert operations to airpower strikes. Together, they explore how Venezuela's oil wealth complicates U.S. strategy, creating a tense geopolitical scenario.
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Strikes Framed As Drug War, Motive Is Debated
- The Trump administration frames strikes as targeting narco-traffickers but offers contested legal justification.
- Reporters and experts suspect broader motives tied to pressure on Venezuela's leadership.
Military Pressure Could Backfire Or Topple Maduro
- The U.S. buildup is read by many as pressure intended to force Maduro from power.
- That pressure could either weaken or further entrench his regime, analysts warn.
Largest Recent U.S. Force Posture In Region
- The U.S. has concentrated sea, air, and special forces assets in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
- Deployments include guided-missile destroyers, an amphibious ready group, carrier airpower, and special operations elements.