US President Donald Trump has reversed his long-held stance on regime change, embracing a more interventionist foreign policy approach with the execution of military strikes against Venezuela, capturing its president Nicolás Maduro. In a dramatic shift from his campaign promises to avoid "nation-building" and wars designed to topple regimes, Trump revealed plans to temporarily run Venezuela and boost its oil industry.
Trump claimed that Maduro is involved in cocaine trafficking and accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of making cocaine and sending it to the US. He also threatened Iran, warning that if its leaders don't improve economic conditions, he'll come to their rescue. The comments have sparked debate within Trump's own party, with some lawmakers praising his actions and others expressing doubts about the legality of the operation.
Critics point out that this approach goes against Trump's original anti-interventionist stance, which was seen as a key aspect of his "America First" agenda. This shift could pose a risk to his approval ratings, particularly among voters who have struggled with economic conditions on his watch.
The US will now work with oil executives to expand Venezuela's oil output, and President Trump did not rule out additional military strikes if necessary. Former Defense Department official Seth Jones warned that the biggest challenge for the US is creating a government that enjoys popular support in Venezuela.
This move has significant implications for US foreign policy under Trump's second term, with many questioning whether his tough approach can defuse conflicts or achieve lasting peace.
Trump claimed that Maduro is involved in cocaine trafficking and accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of making cocaine and sending it to the US. He also threatened Iran, warning that if its leaders don't improve economic conditions, he'll come to their rescue. The comments have sparked debate within Trump's own party, with some lawmakers praising his actions and others expressing doubts about the legality of the operation.
Critics point out that this approach goes against Trump's original anti-interventionist stance, which was seen as a key aspect of his "America First" agenda. This shift could pose a risk to his approval ratings, particularly among voters who have struggled with economic conditions on his watch.
The US will now work with oil executives to expand Venezuela's oil output, and President Trump did not rule out additional military strikes if necessary. Former Defense Department official Seth Jones warned that the biggest challenge for the US is creating a government that enjoys popular support in Venezuela.
This move has significant implications for US foreign policy under Trump's second term, with many questioning whether his tough approach can defuse conflicts or achieve lasting peace.
This is straight up crazy talk from Trump! He's literally gone full opposite of what he campaigned on. Like, who do you think he thinks he is? A dictator or something? The whole thing with Venezuela just smells like an excuse to show off his military might and flex some muscle... meanwhile the dude in charge is probably hiding under a bed somewhere 
. And what's with the threats against Iran? Like, did he even fact-check that one? It's all so reckless... I'm low-key worried about what this means for US foreign policy under him 
. i'm not saying trump doesn't have every right to try and fix things in venezuela, but can we really trust him to do it without just creating more problems? 
! I mean, I've been following Trump's presidency and I didn't think he'd ever actually take the plunge on regime change, especially not after all those "America First" speeches 
. And now he's literally sending troops into Venezuela? It's like, what changed his mind? Did someone tell him that oil is more important than democracy or something? 
The thought of him making executive decisions for Venezuela without even consulting Congress is just insane 
. Can we talk about how this might impact US credibility globally?
. capturing Maduro isn't even the biggest issue - it's what comes next. venezuela needs help, not a us-backed coup or a temporary takeover 
. this whole thing feels like a power grab at best. let's hope some lawmakers in his party speak up before it's too late 
.
I get that Maduro is a sketchy guy and all, but come on, this is like something straight out of a bad action movie. And what about Iran? Threatening them now? That's just asking for trouble, if you ask me... 
. This Venezuela thing is crazy - did we not learn from Iraq and Afghanistan? It's like, what's the end goal here? Make some oil money and leave? I don't think so 
. And what about Maduro's story? Is it true or just a bunch of BS? 
.
. And what about Iran? Like, what even are they gonna do now? Trump is all like "oh, I'll just rescue you" 
... but at the end of the day, I think this move could be a major misstep for Trump and the US in general 
.
. The fact that he's linking Venezuela's issues to cocaine trafficking and Iran makes me wonder if there's some ulterior motive at play 
just saw this news about trump and venezuela it's wild how he went from no intervention to all in on regime change like what changed his mind?? did he get some big campaign donation or something? 
can't wait to see how this all plays out 
.
what's next? sending troops to colombia or canada? 
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. Can't trust everything I read online anymore