President Trump received detailed military briefings on Venezuela operations this week as his administration escalates its war against narcotics trafficking that has already eliminated 80 drug smugglers in recent months.
Story Highlights
- Senior military officials presented Trump with Venezuela strike options, including land-based operations.
- USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group positioned in Southern Command’s operational area.
- Trump administration has killed 80 drug smugglers in 21 vessel strikes over two months.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth warns traffickers: “We will find you and we will kill you.”
Military Leadership Presents Strike Options
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine briefed President Trump on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, regarding potential military operations in Venezuela.
The high-level White House meeting included updated strike options, with land-based operations among the possibilities being considered. Multiple sources familiar with the discussions confirmed that no final decision has been reached, though the administration continues evaluating its options for the coming days.
New at @CBSNews – Top officials present President Trump with military options for Venezuela in the coming days via @JenniferJJacobs and I report. https://t.co/ftvBzREdyB
— Jim LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) November 13, 2025
Naval Assets Deploy to Strategic Position
The USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group entered U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility this week, positioning American naval power directly in the Caribbean and South American operational theater.
The Ford joins an existing flotilla of destroyers, warplanes, and special operations assets already deployed in the region.
This massive military presence demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American borders through decisive action against drug trafficking networks threatening national security.
Aggressive Anti-Trafficking Campaign Shows Results
Trump’s military has conducted strikes against 21 vessels suspected of ferrying drugs from South America to the United States over the past two months. These operations have eliminated at least 80 alleged smugglers, with only two survivors who were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.
The Ecuadorian survivor was released after authorities found no evidence of criminal activity, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to both decisive action and due process.
Hegseth Delivers Clear Warning to Traffickers
At a defense summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Defense Secretary Hegseth issued a stark warning to drug traffickers and foreign terrorist organizations. “My advice to foreign terrorist organizations is do not get in a boat,” Hegseth declared.
“If you’re trafficking drugs to poison the American people and we know you’re from a designated terrorist organization, you’re a foreign terrorist or trafficker — we will find you and we will kill you.” This direct approach reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics trafficking.
Intelligence Community Supports Operations
The U.S. intelligence community has provided crucial information supporting potential Venezuelan operations, according to sources familiar with the briefings.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was absent from Wednesday’s discussions due to her return from an overseas trip, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the G7 foreign ministers’ meetings in Canada.
The coordination between military and intelligence agencies demonstrates comprehensive government support for the president’s anti-trafficking initiatives.
