On November 29, 2025, President Donald Trump announced on social media that Venezuela and its surrounding airspace will be “completely” closed. This move could potentially signify a further escalation in the tense relationship triggered by the drug war between the United States and the Maduro government.
Trump issued a clear warning on his “Truth Social” platform to all airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers, stating that Venezuela and its surrounding airspace will be considered “completely closed.”
As this airspace closure order was issued, verbal sparring between senior U.S. officials and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government continued to escalate.
The Trump administration stated that this action is aimed at continuing the fight against drug trafficking and human trafficking. At the same time, the United States is expanding its military presence in the region.
The U.S. military recently conducted deadly strikes on multiple drug smuggling vessels, resulting in the killing of dozens of suspected drug traffickers.
The United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has also arrived in the Caribbean, forming a large-scale military buildup.
Earlier this week, Trump also warned that the U.S. military will soon begin “striking from the land” against drug trafficking activities in Venezuela.
In a Thanksgiving address to the global military, Trump stated, “Through maritime (drug trafficking operations), we have stopped nearly 85% ⋯⋯ next, we will start stopping them on land.”
Trump’s strong stance has drawn considerable attention as to whether the current U.S. military anti-drug operations, primarily in the Caribbean Sea, will escalate into ground military operations against Venezuela. Experts suggest that these actions by Washington may be laying the groundwork for Maduro’s removal.
Venezuela has not immediately responded officially to Trump’s latest remarks, but Maduro stated in a televised speech on Thursday that Venezuela will not be intimidated.
Despite escalating military pressure, Trump has indicated that he may hold talks with Maduro, hinting at a potential diplomatic avenue to defuse the tensions.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States warned major airlines that due to “deteriorating security conditions and escalating military activities” in the country or its vicinity, flying over Venezuela carries “potential risks.” Following the FAA’s warning, Venezuela revoked the operating permits of six international airlines that had suspended flights to the country.