In recent statements, President Donald Trump has engaged in a verbal conflict with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing his administration of facilitating drug trafficking that impacts the United States. Since September, the U.S. government has targeted numerous vessels suspected of transporting narcotics, resulting in the deaths of over 100 individuals identified as drug traffickers.

During a radio interview on December 26, 2025, Trump claimed that U.S. forces had struck a significant facility in Venezuela two days prior, asserting that such actions contribute to saving American lives by reducing drug availability. He stated, "Every time I knock out a boat, we save 25,000 American lives."

While the Pentagon and U.S. Southern Command have not confirmed the specifics of the alleged strike, unnamed senior officials indicated to The New York Times that a facility had indeed been targeted, although further details were not disclosed. The Venezuelan government has not issued a public response regarding the incident.

The U.S. administration's military strategy in Venezuela has raised concerns about the implications of increased militarization and the potential humanitarian impact on the Venezuelan population, which is already facing significant challenges due to economic instability and political repression under Maduro's regime.