White House Plans Next Steps
President Donald Trump will meet with top national security officials Monday evening to discuss the administration’s next moves on Venezuela, according to sources familiar with the planning. The Oval Office meeting is set for 4 p.m. CT.
Key Attendees
Expected participants include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Escalating Military Pressure
The meeting comes as the U.S. ramps up its campaign against Venezuela, launching strikes on suspected drug vessels and deploying more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops to the Caribbean under “Operation Southern Spear.” Trump also signaled the U.S. will soon target land-based trafficking routes.
Warnings and Diplomatic Moves
Over the weekend, Trump urged airlines, pilots and criminal networks to avoid Venezuelan airspace—an order he later downplayed. He also confirmed speaking by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, days after the U.S. designated Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization to broaden military options.
Legal Concerns Over Deadly Strikes
The administration faces growing scrutiny over U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats that have killed more than 80 people. Lawmakers from both parties question the legality of the operations since the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.
A CNN report revealed the U.S. conducted a second strike on survivors of an initial attack. Sen. Angus King of Maine called such action “a stone-cold war crime” if confirmed, adding that Congress will question officials “up and down the chain of command.”
Congressional Oversight Ahead
King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said lawmakers will investigate whether defense orders were properly executed and who authorized the actions.
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