On the 2nd local time, US President Trump said at the White House cabinet meeting that he will soon launch a land-based attack on Caribbean drug cartels. This is the second time in less than a week that Trump has made a similar threat. Trump said the move would effectively crack down on countries that smuggle drugs to the US, and mentioned Venezuela and Colombia. Defense Secretary Hegseth also said that the crackdown on “drug carriers” has only just begun. The move sparked opposition from Democratic lawmakers, calling it an act of war. US military activities in the Caribbean are frequent, and US naval vessels and military aircraft have frequently appeared in Puerto Rico in recent days. Trump's threat was analyzed as putting extreme pressure on the Venezuelan government and could affect the 2026 midterm elections.

On the 2nd local time, US President Trump said at the White House cabinet meeting that he will soon launch a land-based attack on Caribbean drug cartels. This is the second time in less than a week that Trump has made a similar threat. Trump said the move would effectively crack down on countries that smuggle drugs to the US, and mentioned Venezuela and Colombia. Defense Secretary Hegseth also said that the crackdown on “drug carriers” has only just begun. The move sparked opposition from Democratic lawmakers, calling it an act of war. US military activities in the Caribbean are frequent, and US naval vessels and military aircraft have frequently appeared in Puerto Rico in recent days. Trump's threat was analyzed as putting extreme pressure on the Venezuelan government and could affect the 2026 midterm elections.