Venezuela has condemned US President Donald Trump after he urged airlines and pilots to consider Venezuelan airspace “closed,” calling the statement an unlawful and provocative threat against its sovereignty.
In a strong statement, Venezuela’s foreign ministry blasted Trump’s comments as “extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression”, accusing Washington of escalating military pressure in the region. The US has conducted over 20 strikes on vessels it claims were carrying drugs, though it has provided no evidence. President Nicolás Maduro says these actions form part of a plot to remove him.
Trump issued the warning on Truth Social, addressing “airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers.” The White House has not responded to requests for clarification.
Members of both parties in the US Congress have criticised Trump’s move. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said the president was pushing the country “closer to another costly foreign war”, noting that Congress alone has authority to declare one. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed the same constitutional reminder.
The remarks followed an FAA advisory about increased military activity near Venezuela, prompting airlines to halt flights. Venezuela responded by revoking their landing and departure rights.
Caracas is rallying international support, calling on the UN and global governments to condemn the “immoral act of aggression.” Its military conducted coastal exercises on Saturday, showcasing anti-aircraft systems.
Meanwhile, the US has deployed the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group and around 15,000 troops—its largest regional deployment since 1989. Washington maintains the mission targets drug trafficking, while Venezuela and allies argue it is meant to destabilise Maduro’s government.
The US also recently branded the Cartel de los Soles—a group it claims is led by Maduro—as a foreign terrorist organisation. Caracas has fiercely rejected the designation.
