As the U.S. military buildup intensifies just off Venezuela’s coast, political voices in Washington are growing bolder about President Nicolás Maduro’s fate. One of the strongest came from Florida Senator Rick Scott, who offered a stark warning about what may lie ahead for the Venezuelan leader.
“His days are numbered,” Senator Scott said during a 60 Minutes interview aired on October 26. The CBS documentary explored life in Venezuela under Maduro’s rule as the U.S. increased its military presence in the Caribbean.
Over the weekend, the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, docked in Trinidad and Tobago, just a stone’s throw away from Venezuela. It added to a growing armada of fighter jets, warships, and at least one submarine in the Caribbean, part of what U.S. President Donald Trump called a war on drugs.
“If I was Maduro, I’d head to Russia or China right now. His days are… numbered. Something’s gonna happen. Whether it’s internal or external, I think something’s gonna happen,” Scott said.
The USS Gravely, a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with advanced radar and long-range missile systems, is expected to remain in Trinidad until the end of the week for joint training exercises. Reports indicate that around 10 U.S. air strikes have already killed at least 40 people accused of drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, is reportedly en route to join the fleet.
Considering the military firepower right at Venezuela’s doorstep, Senator Scott was asked pointedly by the host whether the U.S. was gearing up to invade Venezuela. To this, he replied: “I don’t think so. I mean…if we do…I’d be surprised.”
There has been condemnation from several Caribbean leaders against the actions of the U.S. administration, the latest call coming from Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
“I believe that the time has come for us, therefore, to be able to ensure that we do not accept that any entity has the right to engage in extrajudicial killings of persons that they suspect of being involved in criminal activities,” Mottley said during a recent address.
By contrast, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has backed the U.S. campaign, saying it is a justified response to the regional drug crisis.
Maduro, however, insists the U.S. actions are a “direct threat” to Venezuela’s sovereignty.
He remains defiant in the face of growing military pressure and political isolation. But with the U.S. forces closing in and warnings mounting, questions linger over how long he can maintain control.
