U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to social media to mock a viral video featuring the Venezuelan regime's militia, where an overweight woman is seen participating in military exercises. "TOP SECRET: We've caught the Venezuelan militia training. A very serious threat!" Trump quipped on his Truth Social platform, sharing the video that had already gained widespread attention online.
Following increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and threats directed at Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan government has ramped up the mass recruitment of the Bolivarian Militia across the nation since the end of August. Established in 2008 by Hugo Chávez and strengthened under Maduro's leadership, this militia has faced criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations. They argue that it serves as a tool for social and political control within communities, rather than focusing solely on military responsibilities.
Amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, the Maduro administration is striving to bolster this force, which, according to official figures, comprises over 4 million members and operates alongside traditional military institutions.
Maduro Reaches Out to Trump
On Monday, the White House confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing a willingness for dialogue. However, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt characterized the letter as being riddled with "many lies." "Frankly, there were numerous falsehoods that Maduro reiterated in that letter, and the administration's stance remains unchanged: we continue to view Maduro's regime as illegitimate," Leavitt stated during a press briefing.
Leavitt also emphasized that the U.S. President "has shown a readiness to employ all necessary means to stop the illegal trafficking of deadly drugs originating from the Venezuelan regime into our country."
The letter from Maduro to Trump, which was circulated by official media outlets in Caracas, aimed to dismantle what he repeatedly described as "fake news" regarding his alleged drug trafficking ties. Interestingly, Maduro used the term "fake news"—a phrase popularized by Trump—no fewer than five times.
In the letter, Maduro placed the blame squarely on Colombia and its government under Gustavo Petro, labeling it as "the true hub of drug trafficking in the region." To support his claim, he stated that 87% of the cocaine produced in Colombia exits via the Pacific, while only 5% traverses Venezuelan territory. Additionally, the Venezuelan leader asserted that his country has "neutralized 402 aircraft" linked to drug transport so far this year and has seized over 70% of shipments attempting to cross the shared border.
Key Questions on U.S.-Venezuela Relations
What is the Bolivarian Militia?
The Bolivarian Militia is a force created in 2008 by Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, designed to act alongside the traditional military. It has faced criticism for being used as a tool for social and political control.
Why did Maduro send a letter to Trump?
Nicolás Maduro sent a letter to President Trump expressing a willingness for dialogue, amid rising tensions between the two countries. However, the letter was described by the White House as containing numerous falsehoods.