Donald Trump denies Venezuela strike reports as U.S. military buildup escalates

As President Donald Trump denied reports of imminent military strikes against Venezuela, leaked details from White House sources revealed that plans targeting President Nicolás Maduro’s cartel and military command structures were prepared as part of U.S. pressure to end drug trafficking activities. Statements suggested a rapid regime change, while the deployment of the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg and other U.S. warships heightened tensions in the Caribbean. U.S. Marines conducted live-fire drills, and Russia responded by expanding support for Maduro, reinforcing Venezuela’s sovereignty amid rising global friction.