Venezuela hails US anti-war rally, slams Caribbean militarization
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Venezuela has voiced support for a major US anti-war rally held near the White House, where citizens denounced military escalation in the Caribbean and called for redirecting defense funds toward public services.
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A demonstrator holds a sign while protesting outside of the White House in Washington on November 15, 2025. (AP)
Venezuela has praised a mass anti-war demonstration held near the White House, describing it as a turning point in transnational solidarity against US militarization in the Caribbean and interventionist foreign policy.
The rally, held on Sunday in Washington D.C., brought together veterans, peace activists, faith leaders, and grassroots organizers calling for the withdrawal of US forces from Latin America, an end to foreign interventions, and the reallocation of military spending to domestic needs.
Caracas backs protest against US foreign policy
Speaking on behalf of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil welcomed the demonstration, saying it showed the American people are beginning to reject the global military agenda imposed in their name.
“The American people themselves are now denouncing how their nation’s war machine diverts resources that should fund healthcare, education, housing, and other vital social programs,” Gil stated.
The rally coincided with the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford—America’s largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier—off Venezuela’s coast, as part of what the Pentagon has called Operation Southern Spear, an operation launched under the guise of countering drugs. The $13 billion vessel, capable of carrying over 75 warplanes, is accompanied by a full strike group, including destroyers, cruisers, and submarines.
Caracas has condemned the deployment as a violation of international law and regional sovereignty.
Protesters call for demilitarization and reinvestment
Protesters carried banners reading “Bring the troops home,” “Healthcare over carriers,” and “No wars for oil.” Speakers denounced how the US military budget—exceeding $900 billion—comes at the expense of basic social services, while contributing to instability abroad.
A veteran who addressed the crowd said, “I fought overseas so others wouldn’t have to. Now I’m fighting here—because my own country is being robbed.”
Their demands included:
Immediate withdrawal of US naval forces from the Caribbean
End to offensive military operations abroad
Redirecting the war budget toward healthcare, housing, and education
Diplomatic engagement with Latin America instead of coercion
Human cost on both sides of the divide
Venezuelan coastal communities report increased tension and fear due to nearby naval drills. Fishermen say US vessels have fired warning shots near their boats, disrupting livelihoods.
"We’re feeding our families,” said José Luis Méndez, a fisherman from La Guaira.
In the US, protesters emphasized the link between militarism abroad and austerity at home, pointing out that a single Tomahawk missile costs more than the annual salaries of 40 public school teachers.
From confrontation to solidarity
Demonstrators also expressed solidarity with Venezuela, chanting slogans such as “End the blockade” and “Hands off Latin America.”
According to TeleSur, the rally marked a historic moment where citizens from both “oppressed and privileged” nations united against a common system of global domination.
