US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, marking a sharp escalation in US efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government.

The New York Times first reported the classified directive, citing US officials familiar with the decision.

Trump said he authorised 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," he said.

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

"I think Venezuela is fee

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