U.S. Intervention in Venezuela: A Historical Perspective

U.S. interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean have a long history, rooted in the 1823 Monroe Doctrine and further developed through the 20th century. This doctrine initially aimed to deter European interference in the region but evolved into a justification for unilateral U.S. actions, particularly during the Cold War. The U.S. sought to counter perceived threats from communism and later drug trafficking, leading to both covert and overt military actions across the region.

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The Trump administration's recent actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro represent a continuation of this interventionist policy. Notably, a CIA drone strike on December 24, 2025, marked the first known U.S. attack on Venezuelan territory, targeting a dock associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. This strike is part of a broader campaign that includes attacks on drug smuggling boats and the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers. President Trump has publicly acknowledged these operations, framing them as necessary actions against drug trafficking.

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Nicolás Maduro, the current president of Venezuela, has been a focal point of U.S. interventionist efforts, particularly following his indictment on charges of narco-terrorism in 2020. The U.S. has increased its reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million. The Tren de Aragua gang, which the Trump administration claims operates as a de facto arm of Maduro's government, has also been implicated in U.S. military actions. However, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has stated that there is no evidence of direct cooperation between Maduro and Tren de Aragua.

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Critics of the Trump administration's actions argue that these interventions lack legal justification and congressional authorization, labeling them as part of a "lawless" approach to foreign policy. Sam Ratner, policy director at Win Without War, emphasized the need for Congress to hold the administration accountable for these strikes. Furthermore, experts warn that military intervention in Venezuela could lead to complex and problematic outcomes, echoing historical patterns of U.S. interventions that often resulted in instability and authoritarian regimes.

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There is a notable discrepancy regarding the effectiveness and legality of U.S. interventions. While some analysts argue that interventions like the invasion of Panama in 1989 led to stable democracies, others contend that most U.S. actions have resulted in long-term negative consequences, including increased anti-American sentiment and cycles of violence. The RAND Corporation has cautioned that overt military intervention in Venezuela is likely to become protracted and messy.

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• “Now we’re going after the land,” — President Donald Trump

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• “This is the lawless Trump administration in action.” — Sam Ratner, Win Without War policy director

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• “The Contra war was devastating — socially, economically, and politically,” — Edward Murphy, professor of history

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The U.S. intervention in Venezuela is part of a broader historical pattern of American involvement in Latin America, often justified by the need to combat communism or drug trafficking. As the Trump administration escalates its campaign against Maduro, the implications of these actions remain uncertain, with critics warning of potential long-term consequences that could mirror past U.S. interventions in the region.

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