This week, two U.S. fighter jets flew closer to Venezuela than ever before. These F/A-18 jets spent about 30 minutes flying over the Gulf of Venezuela, just north of the troubled socialist country. Though they stayed in international airspace, this mission made one thing clear: the United States is watching.

A defense official called it a “routine training flight.” But make no mistake—this was a message. These jets were not just taking a joyride. They were showing strength, skill, and reach. And they were doing it near a country that has become a dangerous hub for drug trafficking and corruption.

For years, Venezuela has been run by Nicolás Maduro, a socialist dictator who has driven his country into poverty, chaos, and crime. He has partnered with narco-traffickers and allowed his nation to be used as a launchpad for illegal drugs moving into the United States. President Trump knows this. That’s why he has been taking action.

Back in September, the U.S. military struck a drug-smuggling vessel that reportedly left Venezuela. That was just the beginning. Since then, U.S. forces have stepped up their presence in the region, with more ships, bombers, and now fighter jets. This is what strength looks like. We are not turning a blind eye anymore. We are standing up to the cartels, the traffickers, and the corrupt regimes that help them.

Let’s be clear: this is not about war. This is about defending our borders, protecting American lives, and stopping poison from pouring into our streets. The left spent years doing nothing about the flood of drugs and crime coming from South America. But now, under President Trump’s leadership, we are finally fighting back.

And it’s not just about drugs. Venezuela has also become a military threat, thanks to Russian-made weapons, fighter jets, and surface-to-air missiles. But even experts say that Venezuela’s military looks tougher on paper than it really is. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery said we could wipe out their air and sea threat in a matter of days if needed. That’s the truth. The U.S. military is the most powerful force on Earth, and when we act with resolve, no one can stand in our way.

President Trump has also taken steps to protect Americans in the air. In November, he told airlines to avoid flying over Venezuelan airspace, treating it as closed. This move lined up with warnings from the FAA and showed the world that we take threats seriously.

The Biden years were full of weakness and retreat. They let socialist regimes gain ground. They ignored the drug lords and opened our borders. But now, with a strong America First administration back in charge, we are seeing a return to peace through strength.

The left may wring their hands over “provoking” Venezuela, but let’s be honest: Maduro and his cronies have already declared themselves enemies of freedom. They crush their own people, lie to the world, and poison our streets. We have every right to stand up to them.

This flight over the Gulf of Venezuela was more than a training mission—it was a warning. A warning to the drug traffickers, to the corrupt elites in Caracas, and to any foreign power thinking of backing them. America is back. We are strong, we are ready, and we are not afraid to act.

Let’s keep praying for peace, but let’s never forget: peace is only possible when we have the strength to defend it. That’s what this flight showed the world. And that’s what leadership under President Trump looks like.