US President Donald Trump is considering ground strikes in Venezuela as part of his campaign to crack down on drug smuggling and terrorism. The administration has already targeted vessels at sea, but Trump believes land operations would be more effective.
Trump made the comments during an appearance with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, where he discussed the ongoing crackdown on cartels and other organized crime groups. He also spoke about deploying federal law enforcement officers to US cities struggling with crime, including San Francisco.
The president’s comments have raised concerns among Democrats and foreign leaders, who argue that Trump’s aggressive approach is escalating tensions in the region. Venezuela’s government has condemned the US actions as “unacceptable” and a threat to regional stability.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of the ongoing government shutdown, which has left thousands of federal workers without pay. The White House has defended its actions, saying they are necessary to address national security concerns and ensure the country’s safety.
In other news, the US Department of Defense has announced plans to withhold $40 million from California due to the state’s failure to enforce English proficiency among commercial vehicle drivers. The move has been criticized by labor unions and advocates for immigrant rights.
Trump also renewed his threat to punish Democrats and cut federal agencies and programs during the government shutdown, despite a temporary court block on his plan to lay off federal workers.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10/15/us/trump-shutdown-news