Trump sends 10 F-35s to Caribbean after “provocative move” by Venezuela – National & International News – FRI 5Sep2025
Trump sends 10 F-35s to Caribbean after “provocative move” by Venezuela.
US unemployment nears 4-year high, only 22,000 jobs added in August.
Trump sends 10 F-35s to Caribbean after “provocative move” by Venezuela
Earlier this week, the US military targeted a small speed boat off the coast of Venezuela, reportedly killing 11 people. It’s unclear how the attack was launched, but the Navy recently dispatched 8 war ships to the area as part of an anti-narcotics trafficking mission. Yesterday, the Pentagon stated that two Venezuelan F-16s had flown over an American warship near their coast in what the Pentagon called a “highly provocative move”. Trump has now dispatched 10 F-35 jets to Puerto Rico to support the US fleet in the Caribbean.
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government of directing the Tren de Aragua cartel, a claim even US intelligence services disagree with. The US has also accused Maduro of being the kingpin of a criminal organization called Cartel of the Suns, which may not even exist. While the claims are dubious, Trump has used them to escalate his opposition to Venezuela’s government to something approaching a state of war. Some analysts believe Trump’s latest actions are ramping up to a regime change war in Venezuela. Caracas has certainly perceived Trump’s moves as a prelude to an invasion. In response, Maduro’s government has called on hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans to form militias.
Related:
Trump signs order rebranding Department of Defense as “Department of War”.
US unemployment nears 4-year high, only 22,000 jobs added in August
After a devastating jobs report last month, President Trump fired the top Labor Department official responsible for compiling labor statistics. Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released and even more disappointing jobs report showing the economy only added 22,000 jobs in August– and it’s possible even these dismal numbers may later be revised downward. Additionally, the unemployment rate has reached 4.3%, nearing a four-year high.
Since April, job growth has been slowing considerably, with each month far worse than the last. Economists have blamed several factors linked to Trump policies, including steep tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and firing of government workers. Analysts are expressing alarm over the apparent slowdown in the economy, fearing the US will soon enter a recession if it hasn’t already.
Trump has been increasing pressure on the Federal Reserve to drastically lower interest rates to free up more capital. This might provide a temporary boost (the economic equivalent of a “sugar high”) that would temporarily slow the economic contraction. However, economists have warned this strategy could ultimately lead to years of higher inflation, especially if Trump succeeds in diminishing the Fed’s independence.
Related:
US may have to refund $200 billion to businesses if tariffs are ruled illegal.
Immigration agents raid Georgia Hyundai plant, arrest 475 workers, mostly Korean.
Other news of note:
State Department wants to ban visiting Iranian diplomats from shopping at Costco. No, really.
Minnesota man leaves prison after serving 27 years for murder he didn’t commit.
Macron says 26 nations prepared to provide post-war security for Ukraine. Putin warns foreign troops in Ukraine will be “legitimate targets”.
