Las amenazas de Trump acercan la guerra con Venezuela mientras aumentan las contradicciones y los temores legales Growing threats from the United States towards Venezuela are increasing expectations of imminent military action as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on the Caracas regime. Concerns about the legality of any potential action and warnings that lethal attacks have infringed on laws of war are mounting, with Congress promising oversight. The administration has yet to present legally detailed, evidence-based justifications for sending troops into action, raising possibilities that the deployment and threats are a psychological pressure campaign or signal few limits on Trump’s actions.

• US threats against Venezuela are raising expectations of imminent military action.
• There are growing concerns about the legality of any potential US action against Venezuela.
• Congressional committees promise vigorous, bipartisan oversight of recent attacks.
• Trump’s pardon of a former Honduran president accused of drug trafficking appears to undermine justifications for combating regional cartels.
• Trump warned of US action against drug trafficking networks ‘very soon’ and suggested Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed.
• A US naval armada, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, is stationed off the coast of Venezuela.
• Critics argue that the administration’s legal arguments for acting against drug traffickers do not meet legal and constitutional requirements.
• It is unclear if the deployment and threats are a psychological pressure campaign or indicate few limits on Trump’s actions.
• A new war or military action abroad would contradict Trump’s foreign policy principle of avoiding new conflicts.
• Public opinion in the US generally opposes an attack on Venezuela, with many not viewing it as a significant threat.
• Millions of Venezuelans might welcome Maduro’s removal due to repression and economic hardship, but concerns exist about potential chaos and bloodshed following a regime change.
• Trump confirmed a recent phone call with Maduro but declined to comment on its outcome.