In a significant move underscoring escalating tensions, President Donald Trump gathered his top national security advisors at the White House this evening to strategize the United States' next steps regarding Venezuela. The high-level huddle signals a clear intensification of Washington's pressure campaign on the South American nation.
Key Officials in Attendance
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the crucial meeting in the Oval Office saw the attendance of key members of President Trump's Cabinet and security apparatus. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine were present, representing the Pentagon's perspective.
From the diplomatic front, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to attend, alongside senior White House aides chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Attendees began arriving for the discussion just before 5 p.m., highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Context of Military Pressure
This strategic conclave comes at a time when the United States has markedly ramped up its military and operational pressure on Venezuela. Recent American actions include targeted strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking and a noticeable buildup of military assets in the Caribbean Sea region. These moves are perceived as part of a broader strategy to exert maximum pressure on the Venezuelan government.
White House's Official Stance
Earlier on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the planned meeting. She stated that President Trump was "meeting with his national security team on this subject and on many matters," framing it as part of the President's fundamental duty. Leavitt added, "It’s part of his responsibility to ensure that peace is ongoing throughout the world."
The meeting underscores the Trump administration's continued focus on Venezuela as a focal point of foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. The presence of such high-ranking defense and state officials suggests the discussions likely covered a spectrum of options, from further economic sanctions to potential military contingencies, aimed at altering the political calculus in Caracas.
