For months, President Trump has been ratcheting up the pressure on Venezuela with increasingly aggressive military actions that the administration claims are about targeting drug traffickers.

But behind the scenes, some U.S. officials are pushing toward a regime change.

Anatoly Kurmanaev, who has been covering the story, discusses the battle in the White House over whether to topple the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Guest: Anatoly Kurmanaev, a reporter for The New York Times covering Russia and its transformation since the invasion of Ukraine.

Background reading:

The United States attacked more boats as tensions with Venezuela continued to rise. Here’s what has happened so far.
The Trump administration has authorized covert C.I.A. action in Venezuela.
Trump officials say the mission aims to disrupt the drug trade. But military officials and analysts say the real goal might be driving Venezuela’s president from power.

Photo: Jesus Vargas/Getty Images

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War With Venezuela? - September 1, 2025