What is driving US President’s Trump’s actions against Venezuela?

Donald Trump confirmed that he recently spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, although he refrained from disclosing the specifics of their conversation. This interaction comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly following Trump's declaration that the airspace above Venezuela is now considered closed.

President Donald Trump has invited the families of two National Guard members involved in a shooting incident near the White House to the White House, following the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and the critical injury of 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, and has prompted widespread mourning and vigils in West Virginia.

President Donald Trump announced the complete closure of airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. The Venezuelan government responded by condemning this declaration as a violation of international law and a 'colonialist threat' to its sovereignty.

On November 26, 2025, a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted asylum under the Trump administration and has been described by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as having been 'radicalized' in the U.S.

President Donald Trump announced that the airspace above and around Venezuela is now considered closed entirely, a declaration that has drawn strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which labeled it a 'colonialist threat' to their sovereignty. This escalation in rhetoric signals heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro.

Donald Trump has granted clemency to David Gentile, the founder and former CEO of GPB Capital, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme that defrauded numerous investors. This decision comes as Gentile had just begun serving his sentence, raising questions about the implications of such clemency actions.

Hondurans are voting in a presidential election amidst threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump to cut aid if his favored candidate, Nasry 'Tito' Asfura of the National Party, does not win. Polls indicate a tight race among three candidates, raising concerns about the election's integrity and potential foreign influence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a formal pardon amid an ongoing corruption trial, following support from former President Donald Trump, who suggested Netanyahu should be pardoned. In a video address, Netanyahu expressed that the trial is causing significant internal divisions within the country.