How CIA deployment gives Trump no 'limitations' on Venezuela action

October 16, 2025

President Trump has publicly acknowledged authorizing the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, an unusual disclosure of typically classified information. This presidential finding could permit a range of activities from targeted strikes against drug traffickers to broader regime-change operations against Nicolás Maduro's government. Under US law, such authorizations require notification to congressional intelligence committees but not their approval, giving the president significant latitude in determining the scope of operations.

Who is affected

Venezuelan government and Nicolás Maduro's regime
Suspected members of Tren de Aragua and the Cartel of the Suns (designated terrorist organizations)
Venezuelan citizens and public opinion
Drug trafficking networks between Venezuela and the US
Anti-Maduro groups who might receive CIA support

What action is being taken

President Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela
The US is conducting airstrikes against vessels in the Caribbean
The US has designated Tren de Aragua and the Cartel of the Suns as terrorist organizations
The CIA is potentially applying its "find, fix and finish" methodology developed during the "global war on terror" to criminal networks in Venezuela

Why it matters

Presidential findings authorizing covert operations are typically highly classified state secrets
This authorization could enable a wide range of activities from targeted killings to regime change efforts
The US has a controversial history of covert interventions in Latin America that resulted in government overthrows and human rights abuses
Covert operations in Venezuela would be conducted without the cooperation of the Venezuelan government
The CIA's expertise in "manhunting" could be applied to drug trafficking networks

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC