Kari Lake Praises Increased Military Pressure on Venezuela

Kari Lake is sharing praise on the Trump administration's approach to border security and drug trafficking, expressing support for what she describes as a shift in military priorities.

"We're gonna protect our homeland. We're gonna protect our borders," Lake said during an interview with Matt Gaetz on One America News Network. She added that it is "refreshing to see our military power protecting our homeland instead of fighting wars halfway across the globe."

Lake described drug trafficking as a significant threat killing hundreds of thousands of Americans annually and suggested there may have been foreign interference in U.S. elections originating from Venezuela.

The Trump administration has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean. In August, the U.S. Navy deployed an amphibious ready group, including three major warships and approximately 4,500 personnel, off the coast of Venezuela. 

Additionally, seven warships and a nuclear submarine were stationed in the area, forming the largest U.S. military force there since 1962.

Additional Reinforcements

The operation, officially named "Operation Southern Spear," has included kinetic strikes suspected of drug smuggling. In early September, U.S. forces performed multiple attacks allegedly linked to drug cartels, resulting in casualties.

The administration has also designated specific criminal organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), including Tren de Aragua in February 2025 and Cartel de los Soles in November 2025. 

The State Department says Cartel de los Soles is run by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other top officials in his government. President Trump has cited the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to arrest and deport suspected affiliated members. 

Venezuela has since pushed back by building up its own forces. Both countries remain on high alert amid ongoing tensions in the Caribbean.

Lake views these actions as fulfilling campaign promises to prioritize American security, putting "America First" into action.

“No longer will we allow an invasion at our southern border. No longer will we allow the narco-terrorists to move drugs that are killing hundreds of thousands of Americans every single year. No longer will we allow foreign interference in our elections,” Lake commented.