The Current Why is Venezuela in Trump's crosshairs?
Oct 22, 2025
Journalist Jon Lee Anderson, a seasoned foreign correspondent for The New Yorker, discusses Trump's military actions against Venezuela. He questions whether drug trafficking is truly the motivation behind these strikes. Anderson paints a nuanced portrait of Nicolás Maduro and explores the weaknesses of the Venezuelan opposition. He highlights Trump's push for regional dominance reminiscent of past U.S. interventions and warns of the dire consequences for ordinary Latin Americans caught in the crossfire.
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Message To Global Rivals
- Jon Lee Anderson argues the strikes signal geopolitical posturing more than a pure drug strategy.
- He says Trump wants to show rivals he controls a US 'backyard' and can act unilaterally in the region.
Drug Threats Misattributed
- Anderson says the fentanyl threat primarily routes through Mexico, not Venezuela.
- He argues focusing on Venezuela for drugs is politically convenient, not evidence-based.
Meeting Maduro In Person
- Anderson recounts meeting Maduro and describes his physical presence and demeanor.
- He recalls Maduro as large, quick-witted, personable, and a former bus drivers' union leader turned Chávez successor.