SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic move in the Caribbean region. The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to bolstering defense ties with its Caribbean ally, particularly in the context of escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Pentagon confirmed the trip, which coincides with heightened pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a drug cartel.
Hegseth’s itinerary includes meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader, the country’s defense minister, and other key cabinet members. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, reaffirming U.S. support for regional security, and addressing the growing threat of drug trafficking in the Americas. This visit follows the recent designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, a move that grants legal authority for further actions against Venezuelan authorities.
In response to the designation, the Venezuelan government organized an anti-U.S. protest in Caracas, with participants accusing Washington of fabricating scenarios to justify intervention. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, deploying its largest aircraft carrier and a fleet of warships to the region. The Dominican Republic has been a key partner in U.S.-led anti-drug operations, with recent joint efforts resulting in the seizure of 500 kilograms of cocaine. President Abinader emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, citing the rising production of cocaine in South America as a critical challenge.