Sunburn: Florida Politics Morning Read
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Trump Administration Authorizes Covert CIA Action in Venezuela
According to Julian E. Barnes and Tyler Pager of The New York Times, the Trump administration has secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela, increasing pressure on the country's authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro.
The authorization is the latest step in the Trump administration's intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuela.
- The US military has been targeting boats off the Venezuelan coast, reportedly transporting drugs, resulting in 27 deaths.
- American officials have privately stated that the ultimate goal is to drive Maduro from power.
- The new authority allows the CIA to conduct lethal operations in Venezuela and carry out a range of operations in the Caribbean.
The CIA can now take covert action against Maduro or his government, either unilaterally or as part of a larger military operation.
Author's summary: Trump administration escalates pressure on Venezuela.