U.S. Government Enters Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
ICE Blocked From Entering Ecuador Consulate in Minneapolis During Immigration Operation 
Zelenskiy Awaits U.S. Details as Ukraine Prepares for Possible Peace Talks Next Week 
Trump Administration Expands Global Gag Rule, Restricting U.S. Foreign Aid to Diversity and Gender Programs 
Trump Family Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Over IRS Tax Disclosure 
Panama Supreme Court Voids CK Hutchison Port Concessions, Raising Geopolitical and Trade Concerns 
Israel Intensifies Gaza Airstrikes Amid Ceasefire Tensions 
RFK Jr. Overhauls Federal Autism Panel, Sparking Medical Community Backlash 
Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
Sam Altman Criticizes ICE Enforcement as Corporate Leaders Call for De-Escalation 
Japan Urges Fishermen to Avoid Senkaku Islands as China Tensions Rise 
Faith Leaders Arrested on Capitol Hill During Protest Against Trump Immigration Policies and ICE Funding 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Keir Starmer Urges Prince Andrew to Testify in U.S. Epstein Investigation 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
Trump Orders DHS to Avoid Protests in Democratic Cities Unless Federal Assets Are Threatened 
U.S. Approves Over $6.5 Billion in Military Sales to Israel Across Three Defense Contracts 
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out covert operations in Venezuela, marking a significant escalation of American efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The confirmation followed a report by The New York Times, which first revealed the existence of a classified directive permitting such operations, citing multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
Trump’s acknowledgment underscores Washington’s continued strategy to challenge Maduro’s regime, which the U.S. has long accused of corruption, human rights abuses, and undermining democracy. However, while Trump confirmed the CIA’s involvement, he declined to discuss any specific actions or whether Maduro himself could be a direct target of the covert mission.
The CIA’s operations in Venezuela represent one of the most aggressive moves by the United States to influence the country’s political landscape since diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas deteriorated under Maduro’s rule. The U.S. government has previously imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó, whom it recognized as the legitimate interim president in 2019.
Analysts suggest that this renewed focus on covert intelligence efforts could heighten tensions in the region and complicate relations with countries that support Maduro, such as Russia, China, and Iran. The Trump administration’s stance reflects its broader foreign policy approach of exerting “maximum pressure” on regimes seen as hostile to U.S. interests.
While the details of the CIA’s Venezuela operations remain classified, the confirmation highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle over the country’s leadership and resources. As the situation unfolds, global attention is once again turning to Venezuela, where the balance between international intervention and national sovereignty remains a critical and contentious issue.
