The conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has hinted that President Donald Trump might use an address set for Wednesday night to unveil a major escalation in the international arena.
During an appearance on the podcast Judging Freedom, Carlson revealed that lawmakers were briefed on the potential for military action against Venezuela.
"What I've gathered so far is that members of Congress were informed yesterday about a looming conflict, which could be announced during the president's national address tonight at 9 PM," Carlson stated.
However, he added, "Who knows if that will actually happen. I can't say for sure. I never want to overstate what I know, which is generally quite limited. But a member of Congress shared this with me this morning."
On Tuesday, President Trump declared a complete oil blockade against Venezuela and a tougher stance on deportations in a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. He directly accused Nicolás Maduro's regime of funding criminal activities with the country's energy resources.
"Today, I am ordering a full and comprehensive blockade of all authorized oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela," Trump declared. He asserted that Venezuelan oil was being used to finance "narcoterrorism, human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping."
In his statement, Trump claimed that Venezuela was "completely surrounded" by military forces and warned that pressure would increase until the country returned to the United States "all the oil, lands, and other assets" that he alleged were previously stolen.
The president reiterated his view of Maduro's government as an "illegitimate regime" and labeled it as a foreign terrorist organization.
Since September, the United States has conducted numerous airstrikes against vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking as part of the "Southern Spear" operation.
Experts and human rights organizations have criticized these strikes as "extrajudicial executions."
The Trump administration has described Maduro as the leader of the "Cartel of the Suns," a narcotrafficking organization that the Chavismo denies.
Reuters has indicated that the CIA has stepped up its covert operations in Venezuela to "prepare options for political transition," including the potential overthrow of Maduro through clandestine actions.
Key Questions About Potential U.S. Actions Against Venezuela
What did Tucker Carlson suggest about Trump's upcoming speech?
Tucker Carlson suggested that President Trump might announce a significant escalation, possibly involving military action against Venezuela, during his national address.
What measures has Trump announced against Venezuela?
President Trump announced a complete blockade of all oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela, accusing the regime of using oil to fund criminal activities.
How has the U.S. described Maduro's government?
The U.S. has labeled Maduro's government as an "illegitimate regime" and designated it as a foreign terrorist organization.