China’s Opportunity: US Actions in Venezuela and Beyond
US Military Activity in Venezuela and Trump’s Rhetoric
Table of Contents
The United States engaged in covert military activity in Venezuela in 2020, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s statements suggesting potential US control over the country’s oil reserves. This activity, coupled with trump’s rhetoric, raised concerns about potential intervention and violations of Venezuelan sovereignty.
Covert Military Operations
in May 2020, a failed operation involving US mercenaries attempting to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was uncovered. The operation, known as “Operation Gideon,” was reportedly funded by individuals linked to the Trump governance and Venezuelan opposition figures. The goal was to remove Maduro from power and install Juan Guaidó, whom the US recognized as the interim president of Venezuela.
According to a report by the United Nations special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, the operation involved the recruitment and training of mercenaries in Florida, with the support of Silvercorp USA, a private security firm. The mercenaries were transported to Venezuela by sea, but were intercepted by Venezuelan security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests. Callamard’s report, published in September 2020, detailed the involvement of US citizens in the planning and execution of the operation. UN Human Rights office
Trump’s statements on Venezuelan Oil
Throughout his presidency, donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in controlling venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest proven reserves in the world.In August 2019, Trump stated, “We’ve got tremendous oil. We’re looking at Venezuela. we’re looking at it very closely.” This statement, along with other remarks, fueled speculation that the US was considering military intervention to gain access to Venezuelan oil.
In March 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explicitly linked US policy towards Venezuela to its oil resources, stating that restoring Venezuelan democracy would allow access to its oil. This connection further reinforced the perception that economic interests were a driving force behind US involvement in Venezuela. Reuters
International Reaction and Condemnation
The US military activity and Trump’s rhetoric drew widespread condemnation from international organizations and governments. the UN Special Rapporteur’s report called for a thorough investigation into the “Operation gideon” and the involvement of US citizens.Several countries, including Cuba, Russia, and China, accused the US of violating Venezuelan sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) also expressed concern over the human rights implications of the operation and called for accountability for those responsible. On September 16, 2020, the IACHR issued a statement urging Venezuela to investigate the events surrounding the failed coup attempt and ensure due process for those detained. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Current Status (as of January 17, 2026)
As of January 17, 2026, Nicolás Maduro remains the president of Venezuela. While US sanctions continue to impact the Venezuelan economy, there has been no further large-scale US military intervention. The Biden administration has adopted a different approach to Venezuela, focusing on diplomatic engagement and humanitarian assistance, but maintaining sanctions pressure. the investigation into ”Operation Gideon” continues, with several individuals facing legal proceedings in both the US and Venezuela. the US continues to recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president, though his influence has waned considerably.