STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (November 27) said the United States will soon expand efforts to curb Venezuelan drug trafficking by intensifying operations on land, following what he described as major progress in stopping narcotics shipments by sea.

Speaking to service members in Palm Beach, Trump said U.S. forces had “almost stopped” maritime trafficking, claiming an 85% reduction, and warned Venezuelan groups against continuing to send “poison” into the country. “We’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon,” he said.

His remarks came hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared that his country was prepared to defend itself against any foreign threat. During a military aviation anniversary ceremony broadcast on state television, Maduro said Venezuelans were ready to protect their homeland “with imperturbable serenity” as fighter jets and helicopters performed aerial demonstrations.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated in recent months amid increased U.S. operations in the Caribbean targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of involvement with criminal networks, allegations the Venezuelan leader rejects.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITE BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

SHOWS: PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 27, 2025) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. VARIOUS OF U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP DELIVERING STATEMENT

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“All of you are backbone of America. And you really are the backbone of America's air power. And in recent weeks, you have been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there aren't too many coming in by sea anymore, you have probably noticed that, from sending their poisons into the United States, where they kill hundreds of thousands of people a year. But we're going to take care of that situation we're already doing a lot. We've almost stopped. It's about 85% stopped by sea. You probably noticed that. People aren't wanting to be delivering by sea and we'll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon. We warn them, stop sending poison to our country.”

3. TRUMP SPEAKING