Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
A US guided-missile destroyer, the USS Gravely, docked in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital, Port of Spain, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. This deployment is part of the Trump administration’s escalating military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro, with the warship scheduled to remain until Thursday for joint training exercises.
Increased Military Presence
The arrival of the USS Gravely follows the movement of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford closer to Venezuelan waters. President Maduro has publicly criticized these naval maneuvers, asserting that the US government is attempting to instigate “a new eternal war” against his nation.
President Donald Trump has accused Maduro of leading the organized crime group Tren de Aragua, though the report did not provide specific evidence to support this claim.
Joint Training and Regional Security
The presence of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago is intended to facilitate training exercises between the two countries. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz stated that these exercises aim to “address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.”
A senior military official from Trinidad and Tobago, who spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization, indicated that the warship’s visit was a recently scheduled event. This deployment comes one week after the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago issued a warning for Americans to avoid US government facilities following a reported threat against US citizens.
Local Reactions and Diplomatic Stance
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has voiced support for the US military presence and its operations, including what she described as “deadly strikes” on suspected drug boats in waters off Venezuela. However, the warship’s docking has drawn criticism from some segments of the local population.
David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice political party, led a demonstration outside the US Embassy, arguing that Trinidad and Tobago should not permit the warship in its waters. Abdulah characterized the vessel’s presence, just miles from Venezuela amid “a threat of war,” as “an abomination.”
Caricom, a regional trade bloc comprising 15 Caribbean nations, has called for a diplomatic resolution through dialogue. While Trinidad and Tobago is a member of Caricom, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has contested the idea of the region being a “zone of peace,” citing high rates of murders and violent crimes.
Key Takeaways
The docking of the USS Gravely signifies an intensification of US military pressure on Venezuela, coupled with joint security exercises with Trinidad and Tobago. This move has garnered both local support and strong opposition, highlighting regional tensions and differing views on security priorities in the Caribbean.
