US President Donald Trump met his top national security officials at the White House as tensions with Venezuela continued to rise. The meeting focused on deciding the government’s next moves toward the South American nation.
This discussion came as lawmakers again demanded more clarity about a controversial military decision made in September. At that time, US forces struck a boat in the Caribbean twice, even targeting those who survived the first attack.
Key members of Trump’s Cabinet and security team were expected to attend the meeting. These included Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were also set to be present, according to a CNN report.
Who approved the second strike
The White House confirmed that a US admiral, acting under Hegseth’s authority, ordered a “double-tap” operation. This second strike reportedly targeted survivors of the first attack on a suspected drug-smuggling boat.
The two strikes in early September killed a total of 11 people. These attacks marked the beginning of a longer military campaign that has already claimed more than 80 lives.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the operation. She said, Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.” She also confirmed that Hegseth “authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes.”
‘Don’t want slave peace,’ says Maduro
At the same time, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pushed back against growing US pressure. He strongly rejected any deal that he believes threatens his country’s independence.
“We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, equality, freedom! We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies!” Maduro said while addressing a rally in Caracas.
He also accused the United States of carrying out sustained psychological pressure. “We have endured 22 weeks of aggression that can be described as psychological terrorism, 22 weeks during which they have tested us. The people of Venezuela have demonstrated their love for the homeland,” he added.
Trump said on Sunday that he had spoken with Maduro for the first time since returning to office in January, but he did not share further details. Maduro, however, has repeatedly said that he is willing to meet Trump face-to-face.
Protests in Caracas against US pressure
In Caracas, hundreds of supporters of the Venezuelan government took to the streets on Monday. They criticised what they called US “threats” against their country. The protests came as Venezuela continues to struggle with economic hardship and political instability.