US President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out operations in Venezuela, a move that significantly escalates Washington’s offensive against President Nicolas Maduro.

Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump declined to clarify whether the authorization included plans to overthrow Maduro, but stated, “I think Venezuela’s feeling the heat.” His remarks followed reports that he had signed a highly classified directive, known as a “finding,” granting the CIA broad powers to conduct covert actions in foreign countries. These may range from clandestine information campaigns to supporting opposition forces or even conducting targeted strikes.

While the scope of the CIA’s new authorities remains undisclosed, sources familiar with the matter indicated that US intelligence personnel have increased their presence in the Caribbean and Central America. According to these sources, they are currently focused on intelligence gathering rather than direct armed operations.

Caracas responds 

The Venezuelan government has firmly rejected Trump's decision to authorize covert operations on its territory. Caracas has repeatedly accused the US of violating its sovereignty through regime change efforts masked as anti-narcotics missions.

In a statement, Venezuela said that US military deployments in the Caribbean constitute a policy of aggression and threaten Venezuelan sovereignty, further stressing that the US seeks to impose and legitimize regime change, as well as seize Venezuelan oil resources.

The Venezuelan government has firmly rejected US President Donald #Trump's decision to approve intelligence operations on its territory.

Trump confirmed that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out operations in #Venezuela, a move that significantly… pic.twitter.com/ySN8EzHLYL

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 16, 2025

Trump justified the CIA’s involvement by claiming that Venezuelan authorities had “emptied their prisons into the United States of America” and accused the country of being a conduit for drug trafficking.

US at a crossroads

The Trump administration appeared deeply divided over its approach to Venezuela. While some advisors reportedly favored direct military action, others focused on intelligence and economic pressure. Among those pushing for more aggressive action were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, according to sources close to the matter.

In August, Attorney General Pam Bondi doubled the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s capture, raising it to $50 million and labeling him a “threat to our national security.”

Though Trump acknowledged he was “looking at land now because we’ve got the sea under control,” he stopped short of confirming plans for military strikes or a formal policy of regime change.