What A Day The U.S. Takes Aim At Venezuela
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Nov 18, 2025 Juan Sebastian Gonzalez, former National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, dives into the complexities of U.S. actions regarding Venezuela. He discusses Trump's contradictory stance of offering talks to Maduro while simultaneously showcasing military power. Gonzalez sheds light on the influence of the South Florida diaspora on U.S. policy and the implications of regime change. He raises concerns about the humanitarian risks of intervention, urging caution against the backdrop of potential long-term consequences.
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Carrier Deployment Raises The Stakes
- The USS Gerald Ford's arrival signaled a shift from symbolic presence to a credible threat posture near Venezuela's coast.
- Juan Sebastian Gonzalez warns the carrier strike group plus ~15,000 troops creates real capability to take Venezuela.
Talks Serve As A Safety Valve
- Dialogue channels can reduce risk of accidental confrontations amid heavy military posturing.
- Gonzalez suggests the deployment may be about migration leverage or getting better concessions from Maduro.
Migration Rhetoric Masks Broader Goals
- The administration may be combining migration policy, counter‑drug rhetoric, and regime-change goals into one strategy.
- Gonzalez ties the moves to political aims like pressuring Maduro and appealing to South Florida constituencies.