U.S. Escalates Venezuela Pressure, Demands Maduro Be “Gone”

The United States has escalated its pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Monday that leader Nicolás Maduro needs to be “gone” from power. This marks one of Washington’s clearest calls for a leadership change in Caracas.

The statement follows recent aggressive actions. President Donald Trump announced a blockade of “sanctioned oil vessels” to and from Venezuela earlier this month.

U.S. forces have since seized two ships and pursued a third. Referring to these interdictions, Noem told Fox News the U.S. is sending a global message that “the illegal activity… cannot stand, he needs to be gone.”

As President Trump escalates U.S. military pressure on Venezuela, Republicans on Capitol Hill are facing a question: When, if ever, does the president need Congress’ permission?https://t.co/LjtjJ58PyW

— NOTUS (@NOTUSreports) December 22, 2025

Washington has intensified pressure on Maduro throughout the year. The U.S. accuses him of leading an alleged narcotics network, dubbed the “Cartel of the Suns.” It has declared this a “narco-terrorist” organization and offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Furthermore, the U.S. has amassed a large naval flotilla in the Caribbean. This includes the world’s largest aircraft carrier. Military aircraft have also repeatedly flown along Venezuela’s coast.

Read: U.S. Announces $25 Million Bounty on Nicolas Maduro as He Takes Oath

U.S. forces have conducted a series of strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats. These operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have destroyed nearly 30 vessels. They have also left at least 104 people dead.

However, the U.S. government has not publicly provided conclusive evidence the targeted vessels carried narcotics. International law experts have stated the strikes are likely illegal under international law.

The Trump administration insists the primary goal is curbing drug trafficking. Yet, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles provided a different perspective to Vanity Fair. She said the strikes aim to pressure Venezuela, stating the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.”