The Countdown to Conflict with Venezuela Looks Nothing Like the Run-Up to the Iran Strikes

The United States has officially designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization. And because the United States believes that Venezuelan caudillo Nicolás Maduro sits at the head of that drug-trafficking outfit, Washington now recognizes his regime as a narco-terrorist organization.

The president has made no secret of his desire to see Maduro removed from power. His administration has reportedly authorized covert U.S. intelligence operations aimed at destabilizing Maduro’s authority in Caracas. Many observers believe that military action against the Venezuelan government is imminent. But the Trump administration may be surprised by the public’s equally shocked response to such a campaign. Most Americans don’t seem to be following the administration’s logic.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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The United States has officially designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization. And because the United States believes that Venezuelan caudillo Nicolás Maduro sits at the head of that drug-trafficking outfit, Washington now recognizes his regime as a narco-terrorist organization.

The president has made no secret of his desire to see Maduro removed from power. His administration has reportedly authorized covert U.S. intelligence operations aimed at destabilizing Maduro’s authority in Caracas. Many observers believe that military action against the Venezuelan government is imminent. But the Trump administration may be surprised by the public’s equally shocked response to such a campaign. Most Americans don’t seem to be following the administration’s logic.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.