The USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier, is set to arrive in waters off the coast of Venezuela within days, marking a rare display of American military power in Latin America. This deployment, the first of its kind in generations, has sparked widespread speculation and concern across the region. While experts are divided on whether the carrier will launch combat missions against Venezuelan targets, its presence is widely interpreted as a strategic move to pressure authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro. Some analysts suggest the carrier’s primary role is to patrol the Caribbean and support anti-drug operations, but its sheer size and capabilities send a strong message. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted, ‘This is a clear demonstration of U.S. military might in Latin America, raising concerns not just in Venezuela but across the region.’ The deployment is part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign in South America, officially framed as an anti-drug operation. However, critics argue that the move is more about exerting political pressure on Caracas than combating drug trafficking. Bryan Clark, a former naval officer and defense analyst, emphasized that the Trump administration would not deploy the carrier without the intent to use it, suggesting potential military action if Maduro does not step down. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has responded with a massive mobilization of troops and civilians, preparing for potential U.S. aggression. The situation has also drawn criticism from regional leaders and human rights organizations, with Colombia temporarily halting intelligence sharing with the U.S. In contrast, Mexico has strengthened its cooperation with the U.S. in combating drug trafficking. As the USS Gerald R. Ford enters the Caribbean, analysts warn that its prolonged presence could have significant global implications.