Pentagon required military officials to sign NDAs for Latin America operations amid escalating tensions
By bellecarter // 2025-10-31
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  • U.S. officials involved in Latin American operations under Trump were required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), a rare move beyond standard secrecy protocols. This has raised concerns about hidden objectives, particularly amid Venezuela's fears of a U.S. invasion.
  • The U.S. deployed the Gerald Ford carrier strike group (10,000+ troops, F-35s, nuclear subs) and conducted 13 strikes on alleged drug vessels, killing 57 people. Experts argue the firepower exceeds counter-narcotics needs, suggesting broader military aims.
  • Lawmakers from both parties, including Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rand Paul (R-KY), criticized the administration's lack of transparency. Paul demanded accountability: "Is it too much to ask to know the names of those we kill before we kill them?"
  • Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth tightened control, requiring pre-approval for Congressional briefings and imposing restrictive press policies. Critics warn this undermines democratic oversight while fueling suspicions of unlawful operations.
  • Trump's $50M bounty on Venezuela's Maduro and accusations against Colombia's Petro lack public evidence, deepening skepticism. The NDAs and strike secrecy suggest the administration may be preparing for broader intervention, not just anti-drug ops.
U.S. military officials involved in President Donald Trump's expanding operations in Latin America have been directed to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), according to three unnamed officials who spoke to Reuters. The move, described as highly unusual given existing secrecy protocols for national security matters, has intensified concerns about the true scope of U.S. military activities in the region—particularly as Venezuela fears an imminent invasion. The NDAs coincide with a rapid escalation of U.S. military presence in Latin America, including the deployment of the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group last week. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, roughly 10,000 troops, F-35 fighter jets and a nuclear submarine have been added to an already substantial force. While the Department of War claims these operations target drug trafficking, experts argue the firepower far exceeds counter-narcotics needs. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted at least 13 strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean, killing approximately 57 people, including nationals from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration over being kept in the dark regarding mission details. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a Trump ally, hinted on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that the administration may soon outline "future potential military operations against Venezuela and Colombia." His remarks followed Trump's recent accusations that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is an "illegal drug leader"—a claim Petro's government vehemently denies. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has openly challenged the administration's opacity, demanding accountability for lethal strikes conducted without congressional oversight. "Is it too much to ask to know the names of those we kill before we kill them?" Paul asked in a Senate floor speech earlier this month.

Pentagon tightens information control under Hegseth

Department of  War Secretary Pete Hegseth has aggressively restricted information flow from the Pentagon. An Oct. 15 memo obtained by Reuters orders military personnel to seek approval before engaging with Congress, while journalists covering the Pentagon have faced revoked credentials unless they agree to new press access policies. The measures appear aimed at curbing leaks, but critics warn they undermine democratic oversight. The Trump administration has long accused Venezuela and Colombia of complicity in drug trafficking, offering a $50 million bounty for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest in August. However, the lack of verifiable evidence linking targeted strikes to narcotics shipments has fueled skepticism. As tensions escalate, the Pentagon's insistence on NDAs and refusal to disclose operational details only deepen suspicions about the administration's endgame in Latin America. With lawmakers demanding transparency and allies questioning the legal basis for strikes, the coming weeks may determine whether Trump's military buildup is a prelude to broader intervention—or a high-stakes gambit in the war on drugs. Watch the video below where Graham declares that Trump is going to take down Maduro. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

CNBC.com Reuters.com TheDailyBeast.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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