The Trump administration’s aggressive strategy towards Venezuela has been revealed to include military strikes aimed at alleged drug trafficking vessels. According to Susie Wiles, a senior advisor, this approach, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 87 fatalities from strikes throughout the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.
In an interview with Chris Whipple of Vanity Fair in late 2025, Wiles articulated the administration’s resolve, stating that the goal was to “keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle,” referring to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Wiles asserted that the operations were justified as part of a broader “war on drugs,” emphasizing that the targets were not merely fishing vessels, as critics have suggested.
Wiles defended the military operations, explaining, “We’re very sure we know who we’re blowing up.” She noted the significant intelligence capabilities of the CIA and hinted at the possibility of operations extending into Venezuelan territorial waters, which they claim are permissible due to the nature of the vessels involved.
When pressed about the legality and morality of the strikes, Whipple pointed out that drug smuggling is not typically punishable by death. Wiles acknowledged this, stating, “No, it’s not. I’m not saying that it is. I’m saying that this is a war on drugs, unlike another one that we’ve seen.” This remark highlights the administration’s stance that the situation in Venezuela necessitates a unique response.
The lack of congressional approval for these military actions has raised concerns. In response to inquiries about the need for a declaration of war, Trump remarked, “I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country.” Wiles later confirmed that any attack on Venezuelan land would require congressional consent, illustrating the administration’s careful navigation of legal boundaries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced questions regarding the administration’s legal authority over the boat strikes during a recent press conference. He indicated his support for the operations but refrained from providing legal justifications, stating, “Obviously, that’s a DOD operation. So I’m not in any way disavowing it.”
Despite the aggressive military stance, Wiles contended that Trump is not eager for full-scale war. “I think the country is beginning to see that he’s proud to be an agent of peace,” she stated, suggesting that the administration’s actions are aimed more at deterrence than outright conflict.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these military strategies on U.S.-Venezuela relations and broader regional stability remain to be seen. The ongoing operations have sparked debate about the effectiveness and morality of such a forceful approach in combating drug trafficking, especially considering the human cost involved.
