Venezuelans in Caracas reacted with fear, skepticism and cautious hope after the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Caribbean. The US says the deployment aims to disrupt drug trafficking; Venezuelan officials see it as pressure toward regime change. State media coverage is tightly controlled even as social media buzzes with speculation, and Venezuela has launched military exercises in response—raising uncertainty across the country.
US Carrier’s Arrival Near Venezuela Stokes Fear, Skepticism and Cautious Hope in Caracas
Venezuelans in Caracas reacted with fear, skepticism and cautious hope after the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Caribbean. The US says the deployment aims to disrupt drug trafficking; Venezuelan officials see it as pressure toward regime change. State media coverage is tightly controlled even as social media buzzes with speculation, and Venezuela has launched military exercises in response—raising uncertainty across the country.
10:30 AM, 11/13/2025Conflict
Arrival of USS Gerald R. Ford prompts mixed reactions in Caracas
One day after the United States’ most advanced carrier strike group arrived in the Caribbean, residents of Caracas are expressing a mix of anxiety, skepticism and cautious hope as tensions between the two countries intensify.
The US Navy says the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was deployed to support other vessels that, over the last two months, have carried out deadly strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking boats in the Caribbean. Washington maintains the buildup is intended to disrupt the flow of narcotics to the United States.
Caracas, however, views the move as pressure aimed at forcing regime change. Some US officials have privately acknowledged that removing President Nicolás Maduro figures into broader discussions, according to media reports.
Voices from El Rosal
In El Rosal, an office district of Caracas, residents and workers said the United States should not intervene in other nations’ affairs.
“It seems the United States shouldn’t interfere in that way. I think it’s an abuse,”
said Noemí Lozada, a housewife.
“We are not a warmongering country. I don’t think we ever have been, and I don’t think anyone here has prepared for this, nor will they,”
said José Román, a salesman, describing a tense calm on the streets.
“We are Venezuelans and we will die with our boots on. I am proud to be Venezuelan and I will defend my homeland to the death,”
said Frank Molina, a personal trainer, expressing readiness to resist if conflict escalates.
Media, social media and official posture
Local television is covering the developments closely but under tight government supervision: state-aligned reporting dominates the airwaves and officials monitor national media for deviations from the official line. Online, social media is awash with speculation that a political shift may be imminent.
U.S. media reports have said the Trump administration has considered plans to target cocaine production facilities and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, while also acknowledging to Congress that a clear legal justification for strikes within Venezuelan territory does not currently exist.
Some see intervention as relief
On the streets, reactions vary. Some Venezuelans said the carrier’s arrival could bring much‑needed change amid deep economic and humanitarian challenges.
“Well, people are quite anxious, but I think most of them are happy … about the arrival of the aircraft carrier,”
an unnamed administrator told reporters.
“We need help from the United States, unquestionably. If not, we cannot get out of this situation,”
said another woman who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal.
Others emphasized pervasive uncertainty. Accountant Margarita Fernández said Venezuelans are “ready and prepared for anything … I mean, for things to change.” Painter Enrique Díaz described mixed feelings: “Honestly, the country’s situation and everything makes me a bit nervous. But it’s quite unpleasant that we have to go through this because, while it’s a benefit in some ways, it’s also a discomfort for the country.”
Government response and military movements
In response to the US deployment, Venezuela announced a “massive mobilization” of troops, weapons and equipment. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said land, air, naval and reserve forces would conduct exercises and described the US movements as an “imperialist threat.”
U.S. defense officials directed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to transit from Europe to the Caribbean late last month. The strike group brings multiple air squadrons, anti-surface capabilities and is operating alongside escorts including the guided‑missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill.
The carrier’s arrival has heightened uncertainty across Venezuela: it has intensified domestic debate about sovereignty, security and the potential human costs of any escalation, while prompting renewed attention from international media and policymakers.
For further updates, consult multiple sources and official statements from the governments involved.