While the largest US military deployment in decades gathers off Venezuela’s coast, President Nicolás Maduro maintains a public façade of calm—calling for peace, singing Imagine, and dancing, albeit awkwardly. Behind the scenes, however, reports indicate that fear has taken hold of the Venezuelan leader.
The Telegraph reports that US officials are preparing new operations against Venezuela, including a CIA plan aimed at toppling Maduro. The Trump administration has labeled Venezuela a “narco state,” and Maduro is alleged to be complicit in drug trafficking.
#Maduro dances to a “No to War, Yes to Peace” remix, moving to the rhythm amid #Trump’s ongoing threats. pic.twitter.com/cXSeFhFg5n
— Daily Euro Times (@dailyeurotimes) November 22, 2025
A former official of Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party told The Telegraph that Maduro fears assassination, either from betrayal within his inner circle or a US military strike. The designation of the Cartel of the Suns—a drug-trafficking network allegedly led by Maduro—as a terrorist organization by Washington has intensified these concerns.
Eustoquio Contreras, who served as deputy foreign minister under Hugo Chávez, said top officials within Maduro’s circle are contemplating a future without him in power. “His allies are likely trying to manage a transition that prevents opposition leader María Corina Machado from assuming office,” Contreras said.
JUST IN – Trump admin designates Cartel de los Soles, comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan military and government officials, a foreign terrorist organization. pic.twitter.com/FyIb2st197
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 24, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump and Marco Rubio are OFFICIALLY designating Maduro-led Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization today
Maduro is furious.
The pressure is palpable. pic.twitter.com/aPlZiPdKRv
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 24, 2025
“This crisis is reaching its end. Hopefully, that comes through negotiation. If not, violence will be inevitable. There is a collective sense that this has reached the final stage,” he added.

