Former Trump Deputy National Security Adviser KT McFarland shared her insights on the current situation in Venezuela and the former president’s approach to the region during a recent interview.
McFarland highlighted the serious challenges facing Venezuela, describing the country as “one of the wealthiest in the world” that has become “the basket case of the Western Hemisphere.” She noted that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is closely tied to violent criminal networks, particularly the Tren de Aragua cartel, contributing to instability in the region.
Despite the chaos, McFarland emphasized that former President Trump is not planning a large-scale military intervention. “He’s not going to put boots on the ground,” she said, explaining that Trump has always opposed “forever wars” and sending U.S. Marines into foreign conflicts. Instead, Trump is expected to rely on economic, diplomatic, and targeted military measures, such as precision strikes or CIA operations, to address issues without launching a full-scale invasion.
McFarland also mentioned Trump’s preference for regime change through strategic pressure rather than direct conflict. She noted his support for opposition figures like Maria Machado, who has expressed admiration for Trump and could play a role in turning Venezuela into a “friendly, pro-American neighbor.”
The broader goal, according to McFarland, is to ensure that major South American countries have leaders who align with U.S. interests. This approach could include repatriating Venezuelans who have immigrated to the United States and carefully using targeted operations to disrupt criminal networks within the country.
With these plans, McFarland painted a picture of a strategy focused on influence and precision, rather than large-scale military deployment, in the pursuit of stability and U.S. partnerships in the region.