Full Story 'This is war': is Trump about to invade Venezuela?
Dec 6, 2025
Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, delves into the complex issues surrounding U.S. actions in Venezuela. He discusses Trump's motivations for targeting Maduro, from personal to geopolitical factors. Phillips highlights the disastrous migration crisis and the truth behind U.S. drug claims, questioning military strikes on Venezuelan vessels. He raises concerns about potential war crimes, critiques the inexperienced leadership of Pete Hegseth, and reflects on the regional impact of Trump's rhetoric on authoritarianism and xenophobia.
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Cusp Of War And Normalization
- The US is simultaneously on the cusp of war and of normalizing relations with Venezuela under Trump.
- Heavy military deployment and diplomacy coexist in a volatile, unpredictable policy mix.
Escalating Strikes And Naval Build-Up
- Since September the US has struck at least 20 suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, killing over 80 people.
- About one seventh of the US Navy is now deployed in the Caribbean amid escalating pressure on Maduro.
Mix Of Personal, Geopolitical Motives
- Personal and geopolitical motives likely drive Trump's Venezuela pressure, including bruised ego from 2019 failures.
- The campaign mixes Monroe-style regional control with claims about migration and drugs that don't fully add up.