US Not at War in Venezuela, But Pressure Mounts The United States is "not at war" in Venezuela, according to Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, despite the recent weekend raid ordered by President Donald Trump to capture President Nicolás Maduro. However, the U.S. has been ratcheting up pressure on the Maduro regime for months, leading to increased tensions and a heightened risk of military intervention. The surprise incursion over the weekend was the latest escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to oust Maduro and support the opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who the U.S. and dozens of other countries recognize as the legitimate president of Venezuela. The operation, carried out by a group of mercenaries, resulted in the capture of several Venezuelan military officers but failed to apprehend Maduro himself. In the aftermath, the White House has asserted that the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela, raising alarm among Democrats and sparking fears of a potential military occupation. Johnson's comments appear to be an attempt to walk back those assertions and reassure the public that the U.S. is not seeking an outright war in the country. The tensions in Venezuela have been simmering for years, with the oil-rich nation spiraling into a deep economic and humanitarian crisis under Maduro's increasingly authoritarian rule. Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and a refugee crisis have devastated the country, leading to widespread calls for Maduro to step down. The Trump administration has been at the forefront of international efforts to pressure Maduro, imposing harsh economic sanctions, recognizing Guaidó as the legitimate president, and even floating the possibility of military intervention. This aggressive posture has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that the administration's actions have only exacerbated the crisis and raised the risk of a violent conflict. The latest attempted coup has only added to the complexity of the situation. While the U.S. has denied direct involvement in the operation, the involvement of American citizens and the administration's vocal support for the opposition have raised suspicions about Washington's role. The failed raid has also strengthened Maduro's grip on power, as he has used it to crack down on dissent and consolidate his authority. Despite the setback, the Trump administration appears determined to continue its campaign to oust Maduro. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has vowed to "continue to take actions" to support the Venezuelan people and their quest for democracy. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation and the risk of a prolonged and bloody conflict. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching the U.S. response. The stakes are high, not only for the people of Venezuela but for the broader geopolitical landscape in the region. The Trump administration's next moves will be crucial in determining the future of the crisis and the role of the U.S. in shaping it.