U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior advisers Monday to discuss Venezuela and related security concerns, according to a Reuters report. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. EST in the Oval Office, is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and other top officials from the administration.
The discussion comes as Trump increases pressure on Venezuela, accusing the country of allowing drug shipments to flow toward the United States.
Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace “Closed in Its Entirety”
On Saturday, Trump sparked widespread concern in Caracas after declaring that Venezuelan airspace should be considered: “closed in its entirety,” though he offered no additional details. The statement led to confusion among Venezuelan officials and citizens, raising questions about possible U.S. actions in the region.
On Sunday, Trump said he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. continues to label an illegitimate leader. Trump provided no specifics about the discussion.
U.S. Accuses Maduro of Enabling Drug Smuggling
The Trump administration has been considering new measures to counter what it describes as Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking operations. U.S. officials claim the regime plays a significant role in illegal drug flows that have harmed Americans.
Maduro has repeatedly denied any connection to the drug trade.
White House Defends Follow-Up Strikes as Lawful
Separately, the White House on Monday defended a follow-up strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean Sea carried out in early September. According to officials, the Navy admiral who ordered the strike acted: “within his authority and the law.”
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the action aligned with U.S. policy and was justified as part of the administration’s ongoing crackdown on drug smuggling.
The justification follows bipartisan calls from lawmakers on Sunday supporting a congressional review of the strikes against vessels suspected of transporting narcotics.
Deadly Campaign Leaves More Than 80 Killed
As per the latest reports, 11 people were killed in the two September strikes, the first in a military campaign that has now left more than 80 people dead. The operations target what the administration describes as narco-trafficking networks linked to Venezuela.
