US Navy Destroyer Reaches Trinidad Amid Trump’s Pressure on Venezuela
A U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, the USS Gravely, docked in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on October 26, 2025. This visit occurs amid escalating military pressure from the Trump administration against Venezuela and its leader, Nicolás Maduro. The destroyer will conduct joint military exercises with local forces and remain in the country until Thursday, according to government officials.
Military Training and Objectives
These exercises aim to address shared threats, including transnational crime. They also focus on building regional resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, emphasized the relevance of these joint ventures.
Venezuela’s Response
In response, Venezuelan officials labeled the military exercises a “serious threat” and “hostile provocation.” They assert that such actions represent a dangerous escalation in the Caribbean region.
Support from Trinidad and Tobago
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar backs the U.S. military presence.
- She has endorsed military strikes on drug trafficking boats operating from Venezuela.
Increased U.S. Military Presence
The USS Gravely’s arrival coincides with the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford, an aircraft carrier, closer to Venezuelan waters. This shift is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to combat drug smuggling in the Caribbean.
Trump Administration’s Actions
- President Trump has ordered numerous strikes aimed at disrupting drug cartels.
- He has publicly accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking.
- Earlier this month, Trump authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela.
This strategic military maneuvering reflects the Trump administration’s intensified approach to regional security, particularly concerning drug-related activities and their implications for U.S. interests.
