Venezuela Condemns Trump’s Threat to Shut its Airspace
Last update: November 30, 2025
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Caracas accuses US president of illegal aggression as lawmakers warn his comments risk escalating tensions.
Venezuela has reacted angrily to US President Donald Trump’s statement suggesting the airspace around the country should be considered closed.
The Venezuelan foreign ministry called Trump’s remarks “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people” and accused him of issuing a “colonialist threat.” The statement noted that the US has no legal authority to close another country’s airspace.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The US has increased its military presence in the region, carrying out at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed were carrying drugs, reportedly killing more than 80 people.
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has described these actions as part of a US attempt to remove him from power.
Some members of the US Congress from both parties expressed anger at Trump’s comments, noting he has not sought legislative approval.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, wrote on X that “Trump’s reckless actions towards Venezuela are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign war. Under our constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war.” Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene added: “Reminder, Congress has the sole power to declare war.”
Trump’s remarks came days after the US Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines of “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela,” prompting several major carriers to suspend flights. Caracas then revoked take-off and landing rights for those airlines.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry urged the international community, the UN, and relevant multilateral organisations to reject what it described as an “immoral act of aggression.”
On the same day, Venezuela’s military conducted coastal exercises, with state television broadcasting the movement of anti-aircraft weapons and other artillery.
The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford and approximately 15,000 troops within striking distance of Venezuela.
