The U.S. president has authorized CIA actions and military strikes, citing international drug trafficking linked to Venezuela.

President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House on Oct. 15, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 confirmed that he has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela.
The decision would expand U.S. assets deployed to Venezuela, placing added pressure on the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.