The Trump administration is considering taking control of Venezuela's oil fields

On November 5th, according to a report in the New York Times, the Trump administration has developed a number of military action plans against Venezuela, including direct strikes against the forces protecting President Maduro and possible actions to seize control of the country's oil fields. Trump has not yet decided whether and how to move forward, and has shown a reluctance to risk the US military or suffer political consequences. Senior advisers are pushing for tougher measures, including ousting Maduro. The administration has asked the Justice Department for legal guidance to justify expanding the military operation from the anti-narcotics mission to a broader operation. Such legal opinions could be designed to provide a legal basis for action against Maduro without congressional authorization or a formal declaration of war.