Trump sends warships to Maduro’s doorstep

The United States has deployed three guided-missile destroyers with 4,000 sailors and marines to waters near Venezuela in what officials describe as a counternarcotics mission, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The White House press secretary called Maduro’s administration a “narco-terror cartel,” accusing the embattled leader of drug trafficking. Maduro rallied his supporters and claimed he had 4.5 million militia soldiers ready. However, the most recent independent estimate counted about 343,000 militia members.

Class discussion: Do you think the United States plans to invade Venezuela? Why or why not? The Trump administration recently increased the bounty for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. Is Maduro an authoritarian dictator? Is he selling drugs? How often has the United States forced out leaders of Latin American nations? How many times have U.S. armed forces been used to change the government of another country? Is it right for major powers like the United States, China, or Russia to force smaller or weaker countries to comply with their demands?