WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Donald Trump’s Warnings Put Pressure on Venezuela
Dec 1, 2025
Tensions rise as Donald Trump pressures Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to resign, coinciding with a naval buildup around Venezuela. Discussion centers on whether the U.S. is on the brink of conflict and the implications of quick military interventions. The legality of a proposed second missile strike against survivors of an initial attack raises eyebrows, prompting congressional scrutiny. The panel debates the risks of intervention, the need for a clear presidential explanation, and the credibility of U.S. military strategies.
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Large Military Buildup Signals Serious Pressure
- Donald Trump has massed a large naval and air presence near Venezuela to pressure Nicolás Maduro to resign without firing a shot.
- The buildup resembles 1989 Panama and signals the administration may be willing to use force if threats fail.
Trump's Calculation: Pressure First, Force If Needed
- Trump appears to calculate that escalating pressure can force Maduro out without combat and restore the 2024-elected government.
- If Maduro resists, the administration faces a decision whether to use force against Venezuela's military.
Speed And Clarity Reduce Long-Term Costs
- Quick, decisive intervention is argued to minimize long-term bloodshed and messy outcomes compared with protracted campaigns.
- Unclear political communication from Trump weakens public understanding and support for actions abroad.