Politics Donald Trump The LogoffThe US strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, briefly explainedWhy did the US blow up a boat in the Caribbean?by Cameron PetersSep 3, 2025, 9:30 PM UTCShareGiftDonald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on August. 26, 2025.
Aaron SchwartzCNPBloomberg via Cameron Peters is a Washington-based editor and writer and staff editor at Vox.This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here.Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is promising to wage combat against drug cartels following a strike targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat.What happened? On Tuesday, the US destroyed a small boat carrying 11 people in the southern Caribbean Sea.
The boat was in international waters at the time of the strike, and its destination was unclear, though Donald Trump said it was bound for the US and the passengers were Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists.Whats the context? The Trump administration has made a string of aggressive moves against Venezuela in recent months, accusing it of narcoterrorism and cooperating with Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang operating transnationally. Last week, the administration dispatched multiple US warships and an attack submarine to the Caribbean near the country.Whats the big picture? This could just be the start of the Trump administrations war on cartels.
Trump has long expressed interest in taking direct military action against cartels, including reportedly asking during his first term about launching missiles into Mexico to target drug labs. Last month, Trump signed an order directing the use of force against drug cartels his organization has designated as terrorist organizations, including Tren de Aragua.The LogoffThe email you need to stay informed about Trump without letting the news take over your life.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice.
*Reporting by Vox.*
