"Trump's Strategy in Venezuela: Parallels with Panama and a Critical Confrontation"

U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on countries that purchase Venezuelan oil, introducing tariffs as part of a larger campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s government. This initiative, presented as a component of a broader "war on drugs," comes on the heels of a notable military escalation in the Caribbean, which includes sending the USS Gerald R Ford—the largest aircraft carrier in the world—to the area.

, marking the most significant U.S. military deployment in Latin America since the 1989 Panama intervention, highlights rising tensions as the Trump administration aims to dismantle drug trafficking operations allegedly connected to Maduro. , this military buildup reflects a major change in U.S. policy toward Venezuela.

The tariffs are directed at nations that help facilitate Venezuelan oil exports, which are a vital source of income for Maduro’s administration, which

. Trump has defended these actions by emphasizing the goal of "holding Maduro accountable," drawing comparisons to the 1989 U.S. operation in Panama that resulted in the capture of Manuel Noriega, another leader accused of drug crimes. , however, attempting a similar intervention in Venezuela—a country much larger and with a stronger military than Panama—would be significantly more dangerous.

on whether Trump’s tariffs are lawful has introduced further unpredictability. Trump cautioned that a court decision against the tariffs could cost the U.S. $2 trillion, calling it a "catastrophe for national security." He accused critics of downplaying the financial risks in an attempt to influence the court’s judgment. At the same time, to sustain its trade agenda if the tariffs are invalidated.

In a related diplomatic move, Trump proposed lowering tariffs on India after months of trade disagreements. This announcement coincides with longtime ally Sergio Gor taking up the post of U.S. ambassador to New Delhi. Although Kpler data indicated that India’s imports of Russian oil remained steady in October,

as part of a wider plan to deepen the strategic relationship between the U.S. and India.

The combination of military and economic tactics has provoked strong responses from Latin American countries. At a regional meeting, 58 out of 60 nations denounced the use of force without specifically naming the U.S., while Venezuela and Nicaragua chose not to participate.

that Venezuela’s turmoil is fundamentally "political" and should be addressed through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, , labeling the U.S. naval deployment as the "greatest threat of the century" to the region.

As the confrontation persists, comparisons between the 1989 Panama intervention and the current situation in Venezuela remain at the forefront. While Trump’s advisors are reportedly advocating for a tough stance against Maduro, the practical and political difficulties of such an operation—

—along with opposition from neighboring countries, underscore the delicate balance between deterrence and open conflict.