Explainer: Why is the Trump administration putting pressure on Venezuela?

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will hold closed, classified briefings for all U.S. senators and representatives on Tuesday about the Trump administration’s strategy toward Venezuela. Sign up here. Below is a look at the mix of issues that appear to be contributing to the pressure campaign. DRUGS The Trump administration informed Congress in October that the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with drug cartels, saying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro plays a major role in supplying illegal drugs that kill Americans, which Maduro denies. The administration also has designated as…