The Trump administration quietly authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, granting the agency lethal authority as part of an escalating campaign to oust President Nicolás Maduro, according to the New York Times, citing multiple U.S. officials familiar with the classified directive.

President Trump confirmed he had approved unspecified CIA actions in Venezuela as the U.S. conducts missile strikes on boats in the Caribbean. Also, journalists have turned in their press passes after media outlets rejected Defense Secretary Hegseth's new Pentagon rules.

The ambassador said Trump is abiding by "Article 51 of the U.N. Charter that enables a country to defend itself."

A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from laying off federal workers during the government shutdown, which has now stretched to two weeks.