President Trump has repeatedly threatened land strikes on Venezuela, mentioning the possibility at least 17 times since mid-September. The warnings are paired with a major U.S. military presence — roughly 15,000 troops and more than a dozen warships — and multiple strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats. The administration has also seized a Venezuelan oil tanker and announced a blockade of sanctioned tankers, increasing pressure on President Nicolás Maduro as Caracas braces for possible action.
Trump Repeatedly Vows ‘Land Strikes’ On Venezuela — Says Operations Could Begin ‘Very Soon’
President Donald Trump walks as he returns to the White House from Dover Air Force Base, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, December 17 - Aaron Schwartz/Reuters
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned since mid-September that U.S. forces could begin operations on Venezuelan soil “very soon,” publicly mentioning the prospect of land strikes at least 17 times, according to a CNN tally. Those repeated threats have been accompanied by a major U.S. military presence in the region and recent actions that have increased pressure on Caracas.
What Trump Has Said
Trump has invoked possible land operations at a variety of public events — from law-enforcement briefings to meetings with NATO leaders and appearances with U.S. troops — often returning to the theme unprompted. His remarks include statements such as “The land is going to be next,” and promises that the United States can and will stop smuggling and trafficking by land the same way it has struck suspected vessels at sea.
“We’re doing these strikes and we’re going to start doing those strikes on land too. You know, the land is much easier, it’s much easier,”
U.S. Military Posture And Recent Actions
The White House’s rhetoric has been matched by a significant show of force in the region: roughly 15,000 U.S. troops deployed, more than a dozen warships on station, and at least a dozen strikes the U.S. ties to suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. U.S. forces also seized a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, and the administration announced what the president called a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela.
Policy Aim And Reactions
The administration frames its maritime strikes as efforts to disrupt illegal flows of drugs and migrants. But some officials and advisers suggest a broader objective: increasing pressure on President Nicolás Maduro and his government. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, in an interview cited by the article, characterized the approach as sustained pressure intended to force Maduro’s hand.
“He wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle,”
Options Under Consideration
Advisers have reportedly briefed the president on a spectrum of military options, including airstrikes against military or government facilities, strikes on trafficking routes, or more direct operations aimed at removing Maduro. While Trump has signaled he may explain actions to Congress, he has also at times suggested the U.S. could act without prior congressional approval.
What Comes Next
The combination of repeated public threats, a sustained military presence, maritime strikes, and an oil-tanker blockade has left Venezuelan officials on edge. Whether rhetoric will be followed by ground operations remains uncertain; the administration appears to be weighing its options while continuing to escalate diplomatic and economic pressure.
Context And Sources
This article summarizes public remarks and reported actions through early December and cites a CNN tally of the president’s public statements. Direct quotes are taken from public appearances and interviews referenced in the original reporting.
