CIA quietly building permanent U.S. footprint in Venezuela

President Donald Trump delivers remarks at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, following Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Official White House photo by Molly Riley)

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is quietly laying the groundwork for a sustained U.S. presence and intelligence infrastructure inside Venezuela as part of the Trump administration’s efforts in the country after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro...