Trump warns Maduro as U.S. deploys largest Caribbean military force, Russia pledges support to Venezuela
The U.S. has deployed roughly 15,000 military personnel and a major naval fleet to the Caribbean. Trump warned Venezuelan President Maduro against military action. Russia pledged support to Venezuela.
December 22, 2025 - 08:27 PM ET • 3 min read
President Trump on Monday warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro against taking military action against the United States, stating that "if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough." The warning came as the Trump administration significantly increased military presence in the Caribbean region.
According to data reported by CNN, the United States currently maintains approximately 15,000 military personnel deployed in the Caribbean. The deployment includes a fleet of more than a dozen warships, comprising a cruiser, several destroyers, a command ship with air defense and anti-missile capabilities, amphibious assault units, and an attack submarine. At least 10 F-35 combat aircraft have been sent to Puerto Rico.
The centerpiece of the deployment is the USS Gerald R. Ford, described as the most lethal combat platform in the U.S. Navy. Trump characterized the assembled force as "the biggest we've ever had, and by far the biggest we've ever had in South America."
The Trump administration stated that the primary objective of the military buildup is to strengthen operations against drug trafficking. However, the deployment has elevated tensions in the region and prompted speculation about potential confrontation scenarios.
The U.S. military has conducted operations against vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. American forces have seized two oil tankers, and a third vessel was being pursued, according to a U.S. official. These actions have included what Venezuelan officials characterized as attacks on ships allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking.
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising approximately 2,200 Marines, is conducting training exercises in the Caribbean this month. U.S. Southern Command released photographs documenting the unit's activities, including 81mm mortar operations.
In response to the U.S. military presence, Russia expressed support for Venezuela on Monday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil and expressed "firm solidarity" with Venezuela and President Maduro, according to Gil's statement on Telegram. Lavrov confirmed Russia's "full backing" in the face of what Venezuela characterized as hostilities against the country.
Venezuelan officials have described U.S. actions as violations of international law and "extrajudicial executions" in the Caribbean, as well as "illicit acts of piracy." A United Nations Security Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday to address the escalating crisis between Caracas and Washington.
Gil stated that Lavrov offered Russia's "full cooperation" to Venezuela in response to the U.S. naval blockade of ships. The Russian foreign minister's support came as the Venezuelan government faces increased pressure from the Trump administration over disputed presidential elections and allegations of narcoterrorism.