TL;DR: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged peace with the U.S., saying “No crazy war, please,” after President Donald Trump expanded military and CIA operations near Venezuela. Washington has not responded diplomatically and continues its hardline stance in the Caribbean.
What Happened
- On October 23-24, 2025, President Nicolás Maduro appealed to the U.S. in a televised speech, pleading “Yes peace forever, no crazy war, please.”
- The plea followed President Donald Trump’s authorization of covert CIA operations and expanded military deployments near Venezuelan waters.
- The U.S. cited anti-drug and anti-cartel efforts as justification, confirming multiple airstrikes and naval maneuvers in the Caribbean.
- Reports from AFP indicate at least 37 people have been killed in these operations since early September.
U.S. Position
- President Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. would not declare war formally but would “kill people smuggling drugs into our country.”
- The U.S. deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, stealth warplanes, and Marines to enforce operations.
- Washington reportedly rejected Venezuelan backchannel overtures proposing a three-year transitional power deal.
Venezuela’s Reaction
- Maduro accused Washington of “fabricating a war” and ordered nationwide military exercises at 73 sites to prepare defenses.
- Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López alleged CIA activity inside Venezuela and vowed to resist any U.S. intervention.
Public & Diplomatic Context
- The United States has not issued a conciliatory response to Maduro’s statements.
- Regional allies like Trinidad and Tobago announced joint military drills with U.S. forces after citizens were killed in earlier strikes.
- Analysts view Maduro’s tone shift as both a de-escalation attempt and a domestic rallying move amid Venezuela’s deep crisis.