WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is expressing concern over the growing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and not ruling out military action as a response.
Trump told reporters Friday that all options remain on the table in response to anti-democratic actions in Venezuela, including military intervention.
Venezuela’s defense minister called Trump’s talk of a military intervention an act of “craziness” and “supreme extremism.”
The Trump administration has already placed sanctions against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and numerous other current and former Venezuelan officials in the wake of a crackdown on opposition leaders.
The White House says it’s rejected a request by Maduro to speak to Trump, saying restoring democracy must come first.
Venezuela is home to the world’s largest oil reserves and is the third largest petroleum supplier to the U.S.
Sure, because what could possibly go wrong with engaging militarily in an unstable country in the early stages of a civil war? I mean, it all worked out well in Syria, right?
Meanwhile,
Oh, and a second thought. Trump might be discovering that talking directly to the press via these splashes is more satisfying for his ego than tweeting. He does seem to be saying a lot more outrageous crap directly instead of through twitter this past week.
And I am not sure if that’s an improvement.
I guess some amount of “war fever” from NK has infected him in general. Hey, if the tough talk works in one place, why not another? Aside from the fact that Venezuela isn’t attacking us and the world is currently awash in oil, it makes sense in his mind.
If I remember correctly, in the early days of the regime, he threatened Chicago with military action too!
cause US military action worked so well for Iraq.
Why is it a US crisis?? This is a internal Venezuelan political civil war. It’s not anywhere near our borders. What the hell is he talking about?