President Trump ordered U.S. warships, destroyers, and even Marine amphibious groups to the coast of Venezuela, officially to stop drug trafficking from Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The administration portrays Maduro not as a legitimate leader but as a “narco-terrorist” and fugitive indicted for drug trafficking.

Critics question why Venezuela is being singled out when drug flows come from many countries. The move looks like more than “gunboat diplomacy” because it comes after the U.S. placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro and previously tried (unsuccessfully) to back opposition leader Juan Guaidó. Some analysts compare this to the U.S. pursuit of Manuel Noriega in Panama.

Skeptics argue that targeting one country won’t stop the drug trade since cartels shift operations across borders, and that the U.S. ignores the demand side of the problem—domestic drug use. They also note a possible ulterior motive: Venezuela’s oil, recalling that Trump openly kept U.S. troops in Syria “for the oil.”

The buildup raises concerns that Washington might be preparing for more direct intervention or even regime change, despite past failures to oust Maduro. Critics warn this risks making the U.S. look both unethical (for attempting to overthrow another government) and ineffective if it fails again.

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