Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
08/25/2025
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?
