Jennifer Griffin, renowned for her role as a national security correspondent at Fox News and one of the most influential voices on Pentagon military affairs, raised eyebrows on Friday with her social media commentary on U.S. military movements in the Caribbean. Griffin confirmed that the Department of Defense has dispatched ten F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico under the guise of "anti-drug" operations targeting the Cartel of the Suns, which is linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime. Yet, she cautioned that the sophisticated weaponry involved suggests a mission far more aggressive than simply combating drug cartels.
"Why would F-35 fighters be necessary for an anti-drug mission? These aircraft are typically deployed in major bombing operations, such as strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. They are fifth-generation supersonic fighters known for their lethality. It seems the U.S. military is gearing up for war," Griffin stated on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Griffin also highlighted the unprecedented presence of eight U.S. Navy destroyers in Caribbean waters near Venezuela, which further fuels speculation that Washington might be preparing for a broader military scenario.
Rising Tensions Amid Military Build-Up
This military maneuvering takes place within the broader context of an operation ordered by Donald Trump to combat groups labeled as "narco-terrorists" by the White House. The Cartel of the Suns, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking Chavista officials, has been included on this list, with the United States offering a $50 million reward for their capture.
Beyond the destroyers, nuclear submarines and amphibious squads already stationed in the area, the arrival of the F-35s introduces a new layer of complexity. These aircraft are designed for high-intensity operations and are not typically used in drug interdiction missions.
Griffin, with her direct access to military sources in Washington, reinforces the perception that the Trump administration is poised to escalate pressure on Maduro with a military deployment that, for many, transcends the anti-drug narrative.
From Symbolic War to Real Threat
Griffin's cautionary remarks coincide with recent White House actions that have amplified the confrontational tone with Caracas. President Trump himself signed an executive order to symbolically restore the Pentagon's former name, the Department of War, used officially until 1947. Although this change cannot be permanent without congressional approval, it was interpreted as a message of "military strength" aimed at psychologically preparing the nation for a more confrontational scenario.
On the same day, Trump authorized military forces to shoot down Venezuelan aircraft if they harass U.S. vessels in international Caribbean waters. This directive followed an incident involving two F-16 jets from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces that flew low over the USS Jason Dunham destroyer. The Pentagon described the maneuver as "highly provocative."
In response, Maduro declared that Venezuela would enter a phase of "planned armed struggle" in the event of aggression and emphasized mobilizing millions of militiamen to defend the country.
An Uncertain Future
With cutting-edge stealth fighters in Puerto Rico, destroyers off the Venezuelan coast, and increasingly belligerent rhetoric from both Washington and Caracas, tensions are escalating to a potentially irreversible point. The question posed by Griffin—whether the U.S. is preparing for war against Maduro—captures the concerns of experts and analysts: Is this still an anti-drug operation, or is the Caribbean on the brink of a regional military conflict?
Key Questions About U.S. Military Actions in the Caribbean
Why has the U.S. deployed F-35 fighters to Puerto Rico?
The Department of Defense has positioned F-35 fighters in Puerto Rico under the pretext of anti-narcotics operations against the Cartel of the Suns, linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime. However, the advanced nature of these aircraft suggests a more aggressive military agenda.
What is the significance of the U.S. Navy destroyers in the Caribbean?
The deployment of eight U.S. Navy destroyers in Caribbean waters near Venezuela is unprecedented and heightens speculation that the U.S. may be preparing for a broader military confrontation with the Maduro regime.
How has Venezuela responded to U.S. military actions?
In response to U.S. military maneuvers and provocations, Nicolás Maduro has announced a shift to a "planned armed struggle" and called for the mobilization of millions of militiamen to defend Venezuela against potential aggression.