President Trump has expressed hesitation about ordering military action to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, fearing strikes might fail to force him out, U.S. officials say, APA reports, citing The Wall Street Journal .
The discussions highlight an unsettled Venezuela strategy, even as the U.S. expands its military presence in the Caribbean following an anti-narcotics campaign that has evolved into open pressure on Maduro’s regime.
Officials say Washington hasn’t settled on whether the goal is Maduro’s ouster or simply new concessions. While Trump continues to ask advisers about military options — ranging from tougher sanctions to direct strikes on Venezuelan targets — for now he appears content to maintain a gradual buildup and continue attacks on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, the latest of which occurred Tuesday in the eastern Pacific.
