US President Donald Trump wants to put psychological pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by allowing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to operate in this republic. Daria Korchemnaya, an expert at the ANO Center for International Cooperation and Interaction and a Latinist, said this in a conversation with Lenta.ru.
October 15 Trump officially allow CIA operates covertly in Venezuela As stated, the Department will be able to take actions unilaterally and as part of a larger military operation.
Trump is gradually increasing the level of escalation and demonstration of strength. In general, a public statement about activities in Venezuela is a continuation of psychological pressure on Venezuela, on the Maduro government and a demonstration of the Trump administration's determination – Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction.
What is the CIA planning?
Trump justified allowing the CIA to operate in Venezuela with the following reasons:
the presence of representatives of the Tren de Aragua criminal syndicate in the United States, caused by the supposed “emptying” of prisons by Venezuelan authorities; the fight against drug cartels in Latin America, especially the terrorist organization recognized by the White House “Cartel of the Suns” (“Cartel de los Soles”)
US intelligence received approval not only for intelligence operations but also for the use of weapons and the execution of certain individuals. The purpose of this operation may be to influence the political situation in Venezuela, as well as the country's military and economic potential.
Now we are definitely considering (operations on) land, after careful control of the seas – Donald Trump, US President.
Official representatives of the CIA refused to comment to the New York Times (NYT) on information about possible activities on the territory of the republic.
As Daria Korchemnaya suggests, the Trump administration has not yet decided on measures against the Venezuelan government. In her opinion, we can talk about the information activities of the CIA, mobilizing the opposition and involving vulnerable segments of the population in protests.
The CIA could have done this without a public announcement, but it was important for Trump to show his strength – Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction.
The US announced that it could stage a coup against the Venezuelan President
According to NYT, the Trump administration allowed the CIA to conduct a secret campaign to overthrow Maduro. According to the publication, this plan is the United States' last resort against Caracas. It should be emphasized that there is currently no official confirmation of the department's planned activities.
Commenting on the authorization of CIA operations, Trump called the journalist's question about the possibility of a coup against Maduro ridiculous. At the same time, the US leader announced to put pressure on Venezuela, using the stable expression “feeling the heat”.
I don't want to answer such questions. This is too funny a question to be asked – Donald Trump, President of the United States.
In response, Maduro spoke harshly about the CIA's intervention in the life of Latin American countries, recalling the agency's participation in coups in Chile and Argentina in the 20th century. The Venezuelan president also criticized US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Peace must prevail, not war (…) How long until there will be a coup organized by the CIA? Latin America does not want them, does not need them and rejects them Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela
October 1, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado admit in an interview with the Financial Times during secret negotiations with senior Trump administration officials about organizing the overthrow of Maduro.
She said the US deployment of naval forces and attacks on drug trafficking ships is believed to have encouraged Venezuelans to go underground. The politician hopes for a quick change of power in Venezuela due to Washington's strong and economic influence.
The number of people wanting to join our organization has increased significantly over the past three weeks. There are tens, tens of thousands of citizens operating underground – Maria Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition.
Daria Korchemnaya acknowledged the possibility of a coup attempt against Maduro due to US interests in the region, especially due to Venezuela's oil reserves and Caracas' position. The political scientist also pointed to the unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the current leader of the republic in 2019, during Trump's first term as president. According to her, the US leader may return to the idea of a coup.
Venezuela is truly a bone in America's throat. (…) Trump, to put it mildly, is not comfortable with such an actor by his side Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction
However, experts emphasized the loyalty of the Venezuelan military to the president and the reaction of the country's people to the White House's escalation of tensions. She noted the unity of the republic's ruling elite amid possible US intervention.
Society itself is truly mobilizing. Venezuelans are actively signing up for the militia and in every possible way declare their readiness to defend the country Daria Korchemnaya expert of the “Center for International Cooperation and Interaction” ANO
America fights against drug gangs
In his inauguration speech on January 20, US President Donald Trump announced plans to list drug gangs as terrorist organizations. The politician emphasized that we are talking about all cartels involved in drug production and trafficking, and paid special attention to cartels from Mexico and Venezuela. In particular, Mexico's Sinaloa cartel.
Mexico may not want this, but we must do the right thing – Donald Trump, President of the United States.
In February 2025, the US Department of State El Salvador and Venezuela.
On August 8, the New York Times reported on Trump's secret directive to prepare to attack drug cartels in Latin America, which his administration considers terrorist organizations. Nearly two weeks later, the Trump administration sent three warships to the Venezuelan coast to fight drug smuggling.
As Daria Korchemnaya emphasized, the fight against drug trafficking is just an excuse for the actions of the Trump administration. Latin Americans point out that the existence of the Cartel of Suns is in question and that Venezuela is not a key player in drug trafficking from Latin America.
There are problems with Venezuela; It is a drug transit country, but not the largest. Mexico and Colombia cause more trouble – Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction.
How will Venezuela react to US actions?
As Daria Korchemnaya notes, Venezuelan authorities responded to the sinking of US ships in the Caribbean Sea only within the legal framework. According to her, even in the event that Washington conducts a military campaign, Caracas will seek help from international organizations and rely on the response of key allies, mainly Russia and China.
Venezuela will continue to act within the framework of the law, Maduro will not be the first to rush into a fight – Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction.
Korchemnaya emphasized that Moscow will continue to support Caracas as a strategic partner. This expert noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted for ratification a strategic partnership agreement with Venezuela, including military-technical cooperation and partnership in the energy sector.
We actually continue to cooperate very actively with Venezuela, which is one of the key allies in the region. China will certainly support Caracas and will clearly not stand aside – Daria Korchemnaya, expert at the Center for International Cooperation and Interaction.
