U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed reports on Wednesday that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, marking a sharp escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government. The New York Times first reported the classified directive, citing U.S. officials familiar with the decision.

Trump said he authorized the action because large amounts of drugs were entering the United States from Venezuela, much of it trafficked by sea. "We are looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control," Trump said.

Trump was asked why he did not have the Coast Guard stop suspected drug trafficking boats, which has been U.S. practice for decades. Trump called such efforts "politically correct" and said they had not worked. "I think Venezue

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