On Monday, President Donald Trump is gathering his top national security team in the Oval Office. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, is to discuss “next steps” on Venezuela.
Officials expected to attend include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. This comes as the U.S. has increased operations in the Caribbean, targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats.
Over the weekend, Trump warned airlines, pilots, and criminal groups to avoid Venezuelan airspace. The warning followed calls from lawmakers for more transparency about U.S. strikes in the region. One event under scrutiny was a September 2 strike on a Venezuelan vessel, which some lawmakers called a “double tap” attack.
The Washington Post reported that Hegseth allegedly ordered forces to “kill everybody” on board the suspected drug ship. The strike was one of over a dozen recent operations that reportedly killed more than 80 people.
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Trump responded on Air Force One, denying the claim. “He said he did not say that, and I believe him 100%,” the president said. “I wouldn’t have wanted that, not a second strike.”
Hegseth defended the operations, saying they followed U.S. and international law. Still, the strikes have sparked questions from lawmakers and human rights groups. Many want to know whether civilian lives were at risk and if the proper rules were followed.
Monday’s meeting is expected to cover the results of past strikes and possible future actions. Officials will review intelligence and discuss ways to handle threats in Venezuela. Trump reportedly wants a clear plan before any further moves.
Experts say the administration faces a tricky balance. Any new actions could affect U.S.-Latin America relations and draw criticism at home. Diplomats have warned that military steps could worsen tensions and have humanitarian consequences.
Congress is paying close attention. Both House and Senate lawmakers are investigating the September strike. They want to ensure that the military acted lawfully and that decisions were made carefully.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
