U.S. Tightens Squeeze on Venezuela as Trump Says Maduro’s ‘Days Are Numbered’

Overview

• In a new interview, President Donald Trump said Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered,” after months of U.S. naval deployments, air strikes on suspected drug boats and a $50 million reward for the Venezuelan leader.
• Trump said he would consider expanding anti‑drug operations to Mexico and Colombia, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine and Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to brief congressional leaders.
• U.S. aviation authorities warned of increased military activity and Trump told carriers to treat Venezuelan airspace as closed, prompting international airlines to reroute flights.
• Brazil’s top presidential adviser Celso Amorim called the airspace move an “act of war,” cautioned that an invasion could resemble Vietnam, said Brazil will not push Maduro to quit and floated a revocatory referendum as a peaceful option.
• Maduro accused Washington of trying to oust him and elevated the role of the armed forces in national defense, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said no blockade can defeat Venezuela.