politics
February 17, 2026
Cost of Trump's Caribbean Op Nearing $3 Billion
The US military presence off Venezuela is costing US taxpayers billions, Bloomberg calculations show.
TL;DR
- US military operations in the Caribbean have cost nearly $3 billion.
- President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are in US custody facing charges.
- The US military has enforced a partial blockade off Venezuela.
- The White House initially claimed no extra costs, but calculations show significant daily expenses.
- Venezuela holds the world's largest proven crude oil reserves.
- The US is using its military presence to ensure oil revenue management on its terms.
- The ongoing operations serve as a warning to other regional actors.
- International condemnation has been voiced against Washington's actions.