Venezuela’s top prosecutor has declared there is “no doubt” that US President Donald Trump is actively trying to overthrow the current government. Tarek William Saab, a key ally of President Nicolás Maduro, stated that Trump’s ultimate goal is to transform Venezuela into a mere “colony” of the United States.
These strong accusations come amid rising tensions and fears within Venezuela that the escalating US military presence in the Caribbean, including warships and combat aircraft, signals an impending land invasion. Trump himself has previously accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization, an accusation Maduro denies. Trump has also indicated the US is considering “land now” operations following control of the seas.
Responding to the possibility of a land invasion, Saab told the BBC’s Newshour programme, “it shouldn’t happen, but we are prepared.” He also conveyed that Venezuela remains open to resuming dialogue with the US, despite what he described as an “illegitimate” US campaign against drug trafficking.
The United States, along with many other nations, does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following the disputed 2024 election. However, Saab asserts that the US’s true motive is regime change, aiming to seize Venezuela’s vast natural resources, such as gold, oil, and copper.
Concerns about the legality of US military actions and Trump’s authority to order them have been voiced by members of both major US political parties. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that future land strikes are a “real possibility” and that President Trump intends to brief Congress on planned military operations.
The US has recently increased its military presence in the Caribbean, framing it as a drug interdiction effort. However, many analysts interpret this as a broader strategy of intimidation aimed at removing President Maduro. Venezuela has accused the US of “fabricating war,” particularly after the US ordered the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the region.
Additional reporting by Ione Wells