BREAKING: President Donald Trump stated in a radio interview that the United States has targeted a significant facility in Venezuela, ramping up tensions amidst ongoing efforts to unseat President Nicolás Maduro. During a conversation with billionaire John Catsimatidis on December 24, 2025, Trump claimed, “Two nights ago, we knocked that out. We hit them very hard.”
This statement, if accurate, would mark the first confirmed U.S. attack on Venezuelan soil. Trump seemed to reference a facility linked to drug trafficking or boat construction, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to combating drug-related activities in the region.
Details remain murky, as a U.S. official, speaking anonymously to The Intercept, noted that while a target was identified, there was uncertainty around the specifics of the attack. “That announcement was misleading,” the official said, casting doubt on the president’s claims.
During a Christmas Eve call to troops aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean, Trump expressed gratitude for their efforts against drug trafficking, suggesting a broader military operation aimed at Maduro’s regime. “Now we’re going after the land. The land is actually easier,” he added, indicating a shift in strategy.
Despite Trump’s assertions, there has been no official confirmation of an attack from the Venezuelan government, and both the Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency have not responded to inquiries regarding the alleged strike.
The U.S. has increased military presence in the region significantly, with over 15,000 troops deployed, marking the largest naval buildup since the Cold War. Recent military operations have included nearly 30 attacks on suspected drug smuggling boats since September, resulting in over 100 civilian casualties.
Experts are raising concerns about the legality of these operations, with some congressional members labeling them as extrajudicial killings, a stark departure from traditional law enforcement tactics in the war on drugs. “Every time I knock out a boat, we save 25,000 American lives,” Trump claimed, a statement that has drawn skepticism given the staggering 77,000 drug overdose deaths reported in the U.S. from May 2024 to April 2025.
Recent directives from Trump have focused on intensifying military actions against Venezuelan drug cartels, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirming orders to sink smuggling vessels and eliminate their crews. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, has yet to address the controversy surrounding Trump’s claims.
The political landscape is shifting as Trump aims to renew efforts to topple Maduro, previously unsuccessful during his first term. Just this year, the U.S. doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, intensifying the pressure on his regime.
As military operations escalate, Trump’s rhetoric suggests a long-term commitment to confronting Venezuela, stating, “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America.” The White House’s strategy reportedly includes enforcing a blockade on Venezuelan oil for at least the next two months.
The implications of these developments are profound, not only for U.S.-Venezuelan relations but also for regional stability. As the situation unfolds, observers are left questioning the potential for increased conflict and the humanitarian impact on Venezuelan civilians caught in the crossfire.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the White House and the Pentagon for further updates on military operations and diplomatic responses. Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this situation progresses.
