Lindsey Graham Praises Trump
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is giving strong support to President Trump’s escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela, calling it a necessary move to protect American families from the growing threat just off our southern border.
Graham said he “deeply appreciates” President Trump’s determination to confront what he described as violent drug caliphate nations operating in the Western Hemisphere. According to Graham, Venezuela—under socialist strongman Nicolás Maduro—remains the worst offender.
Graham: Maduro Runs a Narcoterrorist State Threatening America
Graham warned that Maduro has spent more than a decade transforming Venezuela into a narcoterrorist state that floods the U.S. with lethal drugs while forming alliances with dangerous organizations like Hezbollah.
He called Maduro an “illegitimate leader” who maintains control through fear, corruption, and a reign of terror. Maduro denies the allegations, but U.S. intelligence and foreign officials repeatedly point to deep cartel involvement inside the regime.
Graham said President Trump’s firm stance could “save countless American lives” and provide the Venezuelan people their first real hope for freedom in years.
Trump Responds With Major Show of Force: ‘Airspace Closed in Its Entirety’
Earlier this weekend, President Trump declared that Venezuela’s airspace is now fully closed after the FAA warned pilots of worsening security conditions.
The agency cited increased military activity, escalating instability, and growing risks to U.S. aircraft.
This is part of the Trump administration’s larger regional effort, Operation Southern Spear, which has dramatically increased America’s military presence near Venezuela.
Since September, the Department of Defense has launched precision strikes against boats suspected of smuggling drugs into the United States—operations that have resulted in more than 80 cartel members killed.
Reports indicate that President Trump also authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations against high-value targets inside Venezuela.
U.S. Marines Bolster Regional Allies as Tensions Build
American forces are now working closely with partners in the Caribbean.
The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting joint training exercises with Trinidad and Tobago to improve defense cooperation and prepare for further instability caused by the Maduro regime.
The administration has also identified Maduro as the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, a powerful criminal network reportedly embedded within Venezuela’s military ranks. The U.S. formally designated the group a foreign terrorist organization earlier this month.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said these cartels are responsible for hemisphere-wide violence, advanced trafficking networks, and the deadly drug pipeline pouring into the United States.
Trump Hints Major Action Is Coming: ‘The Land Is Easier’
Speaking Thursday, President Trump revealed that further action against Venezuela is imminent.
He said recent U.S. strikes have made drug smugglers fear maritime transport: “You probably noticed people aren’t wanting to deliver by sea.”
Trump warned that the United States is now preparing to shut down land-based smuggling routes as well.
“The land is easier, and that’s going to start very soon,” he said. He delivered a final warning to Maduro’s criminal networks:
“Stop sending poison to our country.”
