Who is behind the Venezuela actions?
Based on recent reporting (as of November 24, 2025), the push isn’t coming from shadowy outsiders but from Trump’s inner foreign policy circle, blending immigration hardliners, Latin America obsessives, and national security vets. Critics like Sen. Rand Paul have called it out directly: “Regime change is not in Trump’s psyche,” but advisors like Rubio and Graham are “more inclined to believe in it” and have his ear.
The result? A policy that’s escalated faster than Trump’s first term, with lethal ops approved but execution delegated.
Here’s a rundown of the main architects, drawn from State Department briefings, leaks, and analyses:
Figure |
Role in Trump Admin |
Influence on Venezuela Policy |
Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Marco Rubio |
Secretary of State & National Security Adviser |
Primary driver; reframed “democracy promotion” into narco-terrorist strikes and regime ouster. Designated Cartel de los Soles as FTO today (Nov. 24). |
Longtime Maduro foe (Cuban roots fuel personal stake); killed a Grenell-led diplomatic thaw; pushing internal strikes beyond boats. |
Stephen Miller |
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy & Homeland Security Adviser |
Orchestrates boat strikes and “narco-state” narrative; links it to border security and deportations. |
Directed Sept. 2025 strikes; calls Maduro’s regime a “central hub” for drugs/humans; allies with Rubio on military escalation, shifting from stability to confrontation. |
Lindsey Graham |
Senate Foreign Relations Chair (incoming) |
Informal influencer; whispers regime change in Trump’s ear alongside Rubio. |
Paul flags him as a key pusher for intervention, risking MAGA backlash; backs military aid to opposition.responsiblestatecraft.org
|
John Ratcliffe |
CIA Director |
Oversees covert ops, including lethal authorizations inside Venezuela. |
Project 2025 contributor; his chapter on intel reform enables expanded black ops against Maduro allies. |
