Military used aircraft painted to look civilian in first Caribbean drug boat attack, a tactic retired Air Force general says could be war crime of “perfidy,” disguising military as civilians.
Trump declares national emergency to shield $2.5 billion in Venezuelan oil revenue from private creditors, with officials saying US will manage sales “indefinitely.”
Trump posts doctored Wikipedia screenshot on Truth Social showing himself as “Acting President of Venezuela” eight days after ordering military capture of Maduro.
Trump threatens Cuba on Truth Social, warning “make a deal before it is too late” after cutting off Venezuelan oil, then shares post suggesting Rubio should be “president of Cuba.”
Trump threatens to block Exxon from Venezuela after CEO told him at White House meeting the country is “uninvestable” without legal reforms.
US forces seize fifth tanker in a month off Venezuela, bringing total captured oil to 6.15 million barrels worth over $300 million.
Trump tells oil executives they have “total safety” to invest $100 billion in Venezuela; ExxonMobil CEO responds country is currently “un-investable” after company’s assets seized twice.
Director of National Intelligence Gabbard was excluded from Venezuela operation planning, posting Hawaii beach photos while cabinet finalized Maduro capture, officials say.
House Oversight votes to subpoena journalist Seth Harp over reporting on Delta Force commander in Venezuela operation, with bipartisan support despite First Amendment concerns.
Trump says he will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado next week and would accept Nobel Prize she dedicated to him, claiming he ended “eight and a quarter” wars.
Senate advances Venezuela war powers resolution 52-47 after five Republicans break with Trump, who responded they “should never be elected again” as Vance called the law unconstitutional.
US military seizes two oil tankers in North Atlantic and Caribbean, with UK providing support, as Russia condemns action as violation of maritime law.
White House declares US will “dictate” Venezuela’s government decisions as Rubio outlines American plan for the country’s stabilization, oil industry, and political future.
Trump invites Colombian President Petro to White House days after calling him a “sick man who likes making cocaine” and warning he wouldn’t be in power “for very long.”
Russia sends submarine to escort sanctioned oil tanker evading US seizure off Ireland after vessel repelled Coast Guard boarding attempt near Venezuela.
US military raid to capture Maduro killed approximately 75 people including civilians, with 7 American troops injured and 2 still recovering.
Former Trump Russia adviser Fiona Hill says Moscow offered US free rein in Venezuela in 2019 in exchange for free rein in Ukraine.
Trump says Venezuela will hand over up to 50 million barrels of oil, with proceeds “controlled by me,” and invites Chevron, Exxon, ConocoPhillips to White House Friday.
Noem says 600,000 Venezuelans whose temporary protection from deportation she ended can now apply for refugee status after US invaded their country and captured their president.
Trump predicts Cuba “ready to fall,” threatens Colombia’s president won’t be “doing it very long,” promises “second strike” on Venezuela if they “don’t behave.”
Rubio says discussing elections in Venezuela is “premature” because higher priorities, including reinvigorating the oil industry, must be addressed first.
Cuba announces 32 of its military and intelligence officers killed during US raid to capture Maduro, declares two days of national mourning.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court names Delcy Rodríguez interim president as Trump declares US “in charge,” demands “total access” to oil, threatens she’ll “pay a very big price” for defiance.
Trump declares ‘American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,’ rebrands Monroe Doctrine with his own name hours after seizing Maduro.
New York Times and Washington Post held Venezuela raid story after administration warned reporting could endanger troops, 40 killed in operation.
FAA restricts Caribbean airspace after Venezuela strike, canceling nearly 300 flights to Puerto Rico alone and stranding travelers across US territories.
Rubio warns Cuba’s leaders “I’d be concerned” hours after US forces seize Maduro, accuses Havana of colonizing Venezuela’s security apparatus.
Maduro indicted on narco-terrorism, machine gun, and cocaine conspiracy charges, jailed in Brooklyn after staged “perp walk” at DEA headquarters, court appearance possible Monday.
Trump announces US will “run” Venezuela, promises American oil companies will “fix infrastructure” and “start making money for the country.”
US and partner forces kill or capture nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria since December 19 retaliatory strikes, as hundreds of American troops continue mission after two soldiers killed.
Trump falsely claims “none” of Israeli hostages “were released in the Biden administration,” though 138 of 178 hostages freed through negotiated deals came under Biden.
Trump warns Hamas faces “hell to pay” if militants don’t disarm quickly, says he and Netanyahu “don’t agree 100%” on West Bank after sixth meeting this year.
Zelenskyy says U.S. offered 15-year security guarantees after Mar-a-Lago talks, but Ukraine seeks longer commitment as territorial issues and nuclear plant control remain unresolved.
Trump says he “understands” Russia’s opposition to ceasefire that would let Ukraine hold referendum, calls Mar-a-Lago talks with Zelenskyy progress toward peace deal.
Trump tells Politico that Zelenskyy “doesn’t have anything until I approve it” ahead of Sunday meeting, adding “They’re all coming. They all come,” as Netanyahu also visits this weekend.
Senator Lindsey Graham calls from Tel Aviv for US to “unleash Israel” on Hamas and join air strikes against Hezbollah, says no Republican can win 2028 without strong Israel support.
Trump nominates special operations general to lead Southern Command after previous commander retired amid concerns about boat strikes that have killed over 100 people.
U.S. military attacks more than 70 ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ munitions after ambush killed three Americans, as Hegseth calls it “declaration of vengeance.”
Sen. Murphy says Rubio and Hegseth admitted in classified briefing that boat strike targets carry cocaine to Europe, not fentanyl to America.
Pentagon restricts Congress from viewing unedited boat attack footage as three administration sources confirm strikes target Maduro regime, not drug trafficking.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair boat attacks aim to pressure Maduro, contradicting administration claims they target drug trafficking.
Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, demands Caracas return oil assets Venezuela nationalized in the 1970s.
Islamic State gunman kills two US soldiers and civilian interpreter in Syria ambush weeks after Syrian president’s White House visit and new coalition membership.
Thailand says it will continue military strikes on Cambodia hours after Trump claimed both countries agreed to a ceasefire, with Thai prime minister stating “there was no ceasefire in place.”
Putin rejects European and Ukrainian revisions to 28-point peace plan after five-hour Kremlin talks with Witkoff and Kushner, warns Russia is “ready” for war with Europe.
Trump says he believes “100 percent” Hegseth’s denial of kill order for boat survivors, but adds he “wouldn’t have wanted” the second strike that killed them.
Rubio, Witkoff, and Kushner meet Ukrainian delegation in Florida as Witkoff heads to Moscow Monday, days after lead negotiator Yermak resigned amid $100 million corruption probe.
Rubio, Witkoff, and Kushner meet Ukrainian delegation in Florida days after lead negotiator Yermak resigns following anti-corruption probe into $100 million energy embezzlement scandal.
Venezuela condemns Trump’s declaration that airspace “should be considered closed” as illegal aggression after US attacks kill 80+ and US deploys largest regional force since 1989 Panama invasion.
Trump says US military will “very soon” begin land attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers after 83 killed in boat strikes since September.
