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By Suzanne Blake, John Feng, and Gabe Whisnant
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned Monday he would "declare a republic in arms" if U.S. forces in the Caribbean attacked his country.
"In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela," Maduro said of the deployment, which he characterized as "an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat."
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department and Venezuela's Foreign Ministry for comment on Monday.
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Why It Matters
Maduro's remarks came as Washington prepared to expand its maritime presence in the region, deploying warships and thousands of personnel to target drug cartels.
While U.S. officials have not signaled plans for a land invasion, Maduro's government has mobilized troops along the coast and border with Colombia and urged citizens to join civilian militias.
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What To Know
Maduro's comments come after decades of strained relations between the two countries, with Washington refusing to recognize his presidency since 2019 in favor of the opposition leader Juan Guaidó.
The U.S. government said it would increase its maritime presence near Venezuela to go up against potential threats from drug cartels, and Maduro's government has responded by deploying troops along the coast and encouraging Venezuelans to join the civilian militia.
Venezuela has accused the U.S. of attempting regime change and has now deployed 15,000 troops to the western frontier with Colombia.
Currently, the U.S. Navy has deployed the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Newport News, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson, the littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the amphibious assault ships USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.
That accounts for roughly 4,500 personnel, including over 2,000 Marines, to waters near Venezuela in an attempt to target drug cartels. Three amphibious assault ships will be entering the region this week, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. officials have said that Venezuela is now a key transit hub for cocaine shipments moving to North America and Europe. Caracas has denied these allegations, alleging they are just claims to justify going against Maduro's government.
On Sunday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared that the country is ready to confront "any attack" from the United States.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have also publicly opposed the U.S. moves in the Caribbean, warning they could escalate already high tensions.
Maduro also said during the news conference that he was the legitimate winner of last year's presidential election, despite widespread evidence that he did not actually win and several countries refusing to recognize him as Venezuela's president.
Maduro said that U.S. military action against Venezuela would "stain" Trump's "hands with blood."
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What People Are Saying
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said: "President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide. You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela."
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said: "We will fight if you dare to set foot in Venezuela."
Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn wrote on X on Sunday: "Let's Make Venezuela Great Again by capturing these terrorist group leaders. Get them off the streets and help the people of Venezuela have a vastly better life. The citizens of Venezuela don't deserve to live under the tyrannical rule of Maduro or any of his henchmen!"
What Happens Next?
Tensions remain high between the U.S. and Venezuela as troop deployment increases. Diplomatic activity within the United Nations and regional allies like Colombia could impact what happens next.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update: 9/1/25, 4:48 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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