“We’ll see what happens” was the phrase Trump used when, upon his return to Washington this Sunday, the press asked him about plans against President Nicolás Maduro (the democratically elected president).

Later, the occupant of the Oval Office did not deny the possibility of carrying out a possible escalation with some action on the mainland, stating: “Look, Venezuela is sending us its gang members, its drug traffickers, and its drugs; it’s not acceptable.”

He also reiterated his false accusations that the Venezuelan government is fueling instability in the United States through criminal activity.

Trump’s statements come as questions continue to swirl about his decision to attack a boat in the southern Caribbean on September 12 with 11 people on board, accusing them, without evidence, of being narco-terrorists from the Tren de Aragua organization and claiming the vessel had set sail from Venezuela.

A significant buildup of US naval forces is occurring near Venezuelan waters, while Washington has increased its belligerent rhetoric about combating drug cartels and labeling Maduro as the leader of a terrorist cartel.

The US government recently deployed eight warships and a submarine to the Caribbean in an attempt to demonstrate force in this new version of the anti-drug war. In addition, several Navy F-35s arrived in Puerto Rico.

Following the incident in international waters, Venezuela denied the accusations and warned that the US is only seeking pretexts to provoke a military intervention aimed at removing Maduro.

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