Venezuela is fiercely condemning former U.S. President Donald Trump after he declared that the airspace above and around the country should be considered “closed,” sparking diplomatic outrage and warnings of escalating tensions across Latin America.
In a sharply worded statement, Venezuela’s foreign ministry described Trump’s remarks as “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people,” stressing that the United States has no authority under international law to restrict another nation’s airspace.
Calling the message a “colonialist threat,” the government accused Washington of attempting to intimidate Venezuela as U.S. military activity in the region intensifies.
A Social Media Declaration With Geopolitical Shockwaves
Trump’s post on Truth Social—directed at “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers”—urged them to treat Venezuelan airspace as fully closed.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment, leaving questions about whether Trump’s warning represented official policy or a rhetorical escalation.
But the message immediately inflamed tensions already heightened by U.S. operations targeting what Washington says are drug-trafficking vessels. According to U.S. officials, at least 21 such strikes have taken place, resulting in more than 80 deaths. Venezuela disputes the claims, with President Nicolás Maduro alleging that the U.S. is using drug enforcement as a pretext to topple his government.
U.S. Military Build-Up Raises Alarm
The United States has deployed the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with roughly 15,000 troops—its most significant military positioning in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Washington insists the mission is purely aimed at disrupting narcotics networks.
Venezuela, however, sees it as part of a broader regime-change strategy. Maduro’s government, already facing U.S. sanctions and political isolation, says the “war posture” near its borders is an act of aggression.
Criticism Emerges on Capitol Hill
Trump’s comments have triggered a rare bipartisan backlash in Washington, as lawmakers warn that escalating military actions toward Venezuela could push the U.S. into another foreign conflict without congressional approval.
“Trump’s reckless actions… are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign war,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X, reminding the public that Congress—not the president—holds the power to declare war.
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed the warning: “Reminder, Congress has the sole power to declare war.”
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recently warned carriers of “heightened military activity” near Venezuela, leading several major airlines to suspend service. Caracas retaliated by rescinding the airlines’ takeoff and landing rights.
Venezuela’s military has since conducted coastal exercises, showcasing anti-aircraft capabilities and signaling readiness for potential confrontation.
Diplomatic Fault Lines Deepen
Venezuela has urged world governments, the United Nations, and international organizations to denounce what it calls an “immoral act of aggression.” Some Latin American leaders, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, criticized the U.S. approach, accusing Washington of using “violence to dominate” the region. Others have supported Trump’s tougher stance.
The friction now extends to counterterrorism policy as well: The U.S. recently designated Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles—claimed by Washington to be headed by Maduro—as a foreign terrorist organization. Caracas has “categorically” rejected the label.
As Trump doubles down on warnings and Venezuela rallies opposition to U.S. pressure, the standoff shows no signs of easing—raising fears that political rhetoric, military maneuvers, and economic strain could evolve into a far more dangerous confrontation.
