President Donald Trump confirmed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had been authorized to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.
The statement came in response to a question from CBS News senior White House correspondent Ed O’Keefe regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs.
Reports of U.S. intervention in Venezuela have circulated amid the South American nation’s ongoing political and economic crisis. President Trump has previously criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing concerns about human rights abuses and government corruption.
Trump’s confirmation marks a rare public acknowledgment of U.S. intelligence activity in the region. The CIA declined to comment, consistent with its policy of neither confirming nor denying the existence of covert operations.
The Venezuelan government has repeatedly accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs. President Maduro has stated that foreign involvement undermines Venezuela’s sovereignty and stability.